REVIEWS
Queensland University of Technology
DANCE ‘18
GARDENS THEATRE, QUT OCTOBER, 2018
This program had some lovely moments.
THE Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Dance graduation season provides a small window of observation into its three-year degree course. The program usually comprises new works, choreographed on the dancers themselves (often with their collaboraton), showing not only their technique, but also their ability to work within different choreographic methods while also potentially extending their own creative abilities. The program’s success depends largely on the mix of choreographers, which usually varies widely in style and experience. Thus some years are more successful in showcasing both the works and the dancers than others.
Scott Ewen’s Cardinal opened the night with a very dystopian view of the future of our planet. Inspired by the documentary Mission Blue, the work reflects on the calamitous state of our oceans. A large cylindrical fishing net, littered with detritus, hangs centre stage, and neatly sets the theme. In white shorts, and pink and blue stripy tops, the second years – only five left of last year’s cohort of 12 – all showed great commitment to the work. The second movement, which has the dancers packed tightly in a line, is most effective; the more gestural movement creating engaging patterns, as the soundscape (Kangding Ray and Yanto Browning) develops with a relentless, throbbing beat.
“There’s no denying it’s a tonic for many at the end of a busy year, but also a guaranteed box office bonanza for the company. What’s not to like?”
This is an extract from Denise Richardson’s review of the Queensland Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’.
, choreographed by Yasim Coronado Veranes for the first year dancers, draws inspiration from the Afro-Cuban religion, Yorùbá, with its three movements roughly delineating the three gods of the religion – Oya, Babablu Aye and Obatala. However the choreography, to the distinctive sound of the Cuban rock group Sintesis, is stylistically confused, with its split leaps, hitch
