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The Happiness Project
DanceXchange
The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome
***** AS the lights dimmed in the studio of The
Patrick Centre, the anticipation heightened. The performers emerged, in
single file, taking up their positions to the backing track
accompaniment of a lone violin. The virtuoso violinist/composer, Alexander
Balanescu then joined in with the track to play live, the haunting,
evocative music that would weave and interact throughout this beautiful
piece of contemporary dance. Drawing us into the action with pleading actions
and expressive facial gestures, Hannah Kidd stood atop a box as the
other three dancers moved around her. Dane Hurst, Estela Merlos and
Matthieu Geffre completed the troupe and it was immediately apparent
that the appreciative audience were in for an exciting evening of
extraordinary dance; 65 minutes of sheer delight, performed with
conviction, emotion, originality and grace. Defining happiness through changing
relationships, connections and possessions was perfectly interpreted. Do
we try to be happy to please others? Is happiness transient if we buy
expensive designer clothes? Are we happy craving love and affection? How
often do we mask our feelings? With solo, duet, trio or quartet sets, the
seamless transition between the themes was magic.
A small amount of props, included yet another
box, which opened to reveal a bright light, the significance questioning
interpretation, especially when dancer Hannah placed her head inside.
Did it represent a monitor, a mobile phone screen or was she simply
hiding her feelings within the box? Elastic 'strings' attached to the back of a
raincoat gave rise to yet more innovative thoughts . . . are we tied
down by happiness? Was the dancer mirroring the violin? Powerful moves
with strong postures challenging the forms and shapes were brilliant. Estela Merlos performed an unusual dance with a
glass of water as the focus. Was it half full or, was it half empty? The
negativity versus the positivity of emotional perceptions. The impact of a huge sheet of polythene played a
key element in the piece. Like waves on an ocean, a place to hide or
possibly a shroud, the dancers implemented the prop with agility and
skill, finally writing phrases and words onto it that they perceived as
their happy thoughts. Such a joy that the violinist was an integral
part of the action and a highlight was when he used his bow to 'conduct'
the quartet in a chorus of laughter. At the end, a bowl of strawberries
proved to be the key to the secret of happiness as each dancer devoured
the luscious fruit with joy and delight. Is it the simple things in life
that bring us most pleasure? With concept, direction and choreography by Didy
Veleldman congratulations are in order for a superb show. The Q & A
afterwards offered lively discussion and an interesting insight into the
creation and execution of 'The Happiness Project' Elizabeth M Smith and Rosemary Manjunath 15-11-16
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