Choreography Geography, performed by Bridport Youth Dance, was a spectacular site-specific performance, set against the backdrop of Eggardon Hill.
It was performed by 22 dancers between the ages of 10 and 18 on September 17 and 18. This ancient hill fort, with steep escarpments, roaming cattle and panoramic sea views provided an awesome vista for the dancers to demonstrate their performance skills, honouring this beautiful site.
As the sun set, the audience was taken on a journey; undulating hilltops and changes in light as the sun and clouds began to move against the sky. The costumes were sleek with a flow to catch the wind, adding to the movement quality of the performance. Primarily white and blue, with some in earthy colours mirroring the sky and the land.
The choreography was contemporary in movement, inspired by the site but set to a contemporary backdrop of music interwoven with sounds and images from the past, led by live musicians and dancers. They wove traditional aspects into the contemporary content of the performance, echoing the remembrance of past lives, interwoven into the present.
What a journey this show was for the audience. From the beginning we were completely consumed by the commitment of the dancers. All were well rehearsed, confident, and showed a depth of understanding of the nuances of the land they moved along. It isn’t easy to dance outdoors but they negotiated the spaces beautifully, illustrating their level of fitness, exercising jumps, lifts, and intricate footwork on rough terrain.
The choreography took us on a journey from high views to flat spaces, choreographed pieces with hilltop dancers improvising and framing the performance. The choreographers presented a tableau of work, intense dark choreography, improvised butterfly puppetry, intimate, playful duets, beautifully framed by the pink sky.
The tap solo was skilfully executed to the delight of the audience, illustrating absolute commitment and skill. She then led the audience to a ridge. Here the company of dancers ended the journey with 4 repeated shapes, performed in slow contemplation as the sun dipped in the sky. A peaceful, serene ending, performed with beauty and reverence, honouring the land and space. As the dancers exited over the hills, a reminder to celebrate the earth and its history, which Bridport Youth Dance captured so wonderfully and celebrated in Choreography Geography.
This performance was a testament to the 21-year anniversary of Bridport Youth Dance. Nikki and her team have again successfully captured the power of dance and all that is to be celebrated in this world. Even a week after the performance, it is still resonating with me, so thank you to you all for this celebration of art, dance, land, and community.
By Rachelle Green.
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