Showing @ Festival Theatre, Edinburgh until Sat 13 Oct – run ended
Modern Ballet is slinking ever further from its classical roots, and Scottish Ballet is no exception to the rule. Music and dance interact in what is – at many points – a visceral and charged spectacle, consisting of three separate works. There is, stylistically, something for everyone.
The evening opens with Run For It, an angular journey inspired by athleticism, set to the music of John Adams (Son of Chamber Symphony). Fresh pictorial angles are presented from set designers and dancers alike, jarring unabashedly with the fusion of the classical. The exploration of movement is punctuated with impressive moments of acrobatic dexterity, making for a dangerous and exhilarating ride. However, it is the stand-out contemplative Second Movement of the work which transcends an at times repetitive corporal palette.
Workwithinwork by the estimable William Forsythe follows, and truly envelops the audience in a stark composition of freer movement. There is an additional element of liberation from the dancers, rendering an electric and inspired performance. There are palpable interactions between performers and it is an obvious favourite, in itself worth the ticket.
5 Tangos offers a refreshing and accessible finale to the evening. It is a showier, upbeat piece, and an obvious crowd-pleaser. Tango is explored within the Classical language, which occasionally lacks the sheer provocative sensuality expected for such a style. However, a male solo and duet offer an extra, as of yet unexplored dynamic, lifting the piece beyond its safe approach.
Though there are a few weaknesses on display, the triple-bill format yields a plentiful, tasty palate of styles. It is however, a triumph for The Scottish Ballet – a showing of sheer versatility and range – and prompts discussion until far after the final curtain call.
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