FringeReview Scotland 2024
Flux and Flourish
Indepen-dance, presented as part of Gathered Together 24
Genre: Dance, Dance and Movement Theatre
Venue: Tramway Theatre
Festival: FringeReview Scotland
Low Down
If the dancers are the jewel then Indepen-dance is the crown of the royally exceptional company of diverse dance artists, here showcasing what they have achieved. This is put together with shine at its heart, joy in its delivery and entertainment its focus – joy throughout.
Review
I have to admit to being mesmerised by the abilities of dancers in chairs to use their chairs within performance. Sometimes, I have found myself so entranced with their creativity, I miss elements of what is happening around them. Being aware of that tendency, even when I am faced with such a beautiful exponent of dance as I saw in Flux and Floruish, it means I am more alive to the dance around it. But this was a deft and quite accomplished dancer in the midst of their nine colleagues showing an emotional edge that carried them and their performance into the midst of an exceptional series of dance pieces. I saw it all.
That emotional edge was carried by each of the dancers who exhibited not just a comfort in their movement but a pushing of these boundaries of their abilities but pushed right through and into some really impressive work.
I loved the group work especially, feeling the strength of each dancer performing in the shadow and with the support of their colleagues in ways which made the whole feel seamless.
The music in particular felt really special to the pieces, and it was as if the notes on the instruments had found their partners in body. As with all diverse dance pieces there can be a range of abilities on show but what was, for me, quite impressive, was that moves had been chosen not just to be within the capabilities of each dancer but there were also times when the challenge was there. Dancers were aware it might be difficult, but their confidence was such that they could achieve what others might have felt impossible. That stretch towards development and improvement, whilst being in the context of previously performed pieces suggest a degree of engagement which cannot be underestimated. We have dancers who are very serious about their craft and demand that attention whilst deserving that respect.
It was the end of an evening and a perfect way in which to settle it. Indepen-dance do not seek to inspire, but their work does seek to suggest that when you are setting out places at the cultural table, they are worthy of a place. This adds to that argument by showing that we have a jewel in our crown in Scotland and long may we celebrate such diversity as the art is secure in their hands… and feet … and chairs…
