Review: COUNTERMOVE - Sydney Dance Company's Joyous, Exhilarating Night of Dance!

Sydney Dance Company's opening night performance of CounterMove explodes onto the stage at Melbourne's Southbank Theatre. Combine world-class dancers with masterful choreographers, musicians and technicians and you get a true feast for the senses not to be missed!

CounterMove showcases both Swedish choreographer, Alexander Ekman's work Cacti, originally created in 2010 for the Nederlands Dans Theatre along with the world premier of Rafael Bonachela's piece, Lux Tenebris.

The fun and exuberance of Cacti; an ironic look at our constant need to criticise art and establish a significant opinion, is accentuated through the witty use of voice overs. Ekman's choreography exudes a playful energy and in conjunction with his intricate movement allows the dancers the opportunity to inject their own personalities. The downstage opening sequence a highlight, full of rhythmic ingenuity incorporating the use of body percussion and effective canon techniques. An on stage string quartet are the driving force perfectly accompanying the performers with their wonderful accents and rhythmical expression. The company perform with such agility, precision and strength- this piece is a pure delight.

Bonachela's Lux Tenebris, does not disappoint! His intent to create a relationship between light and darkness and its emotional effect on the individual is exceptionally well represented and staged. Benjamin Cisterne's lighting design is second to none, illuminating the stage in such a way that complements Bonachela's vision right to the end. Moments of pure chaos and action are highlighted with intricate flashes and burst of light, passages lit up dictating directional flow and various shapes capturing the movement not only in light but shadow to create depth and mood. The choreography is electrifying and requires intense focus in moments of both stillness and high intensity. Featured performers Charmene Yap and Todd Sutherland demonstrate these skills with exquisite strength and poise in their breath taking duet. Together with Nick Wales intricate soundscape-like composition this mesmerising piece is performed with true athleticism and pure skill.

Two very exciting contrasting works perfect for anyone who loves to be entertained, dancers and non-dancers alike! Just get yourself moving to CounterMove, you won't be disappointed!

Book your tickets now at www.mtc.com.au - running until June 4th.

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