Modern dance as entertainment is a fast-growing phenomena. Beautiful dance is no longer exclusive to royal ballet companies, but is instead quickly becoming a part of the average Joe’s life thanks to frequent appearances on TV. Reality TV shows such as So You Think You Can Dance are very popular, and even Pink gives a noteworthy dance performance in her latest music video to the song ‘Try’. Dansehallerne seem adamant on providing the general public with dance shows that will entice people away from their TV sets and back into the theatre, and with their latest offering, there’s no reason for the average Joe not to give live dance performances a chance.
From the groundbreaking choreographer Tina Tarpgaard comes a collaboration with Nelson Rodrigues-Smith that promises to be a treat for the senses. The show …and it ends TWICE consists of two pieces, TØRST by Tarpgaard and MENTE by Rodrigues-Smith, which seek to explore our physical and mental existences respectively.
TØRST is about two men stranded in the desert: a scenario where logical thinking gives way to physical urges and the struggle for survival. In this piece, Tarpgaard tackles the physical tension that is created between people when faced with a demanding situation; every movement of the other person is monitored closely and a seemingly innocent look can spark a fight. Through this tense situation, Tarpgaard hopes to create a piece that is not only entertaining but challenging through the observation of the human body’s physicality.
Tarpgaard is known for using experimental backgrounds and features in her shows, and in TØRST, she uses an interactive video scenography that becomes sort of an extension of the dancers’ movements and creates new dimensions of choreography. With the advancements of technology, it is only natural that it plays a part in creating performances such as this one. However, what is worthy of note in this instance is that the technology is not supposed to play a supporting role: it’s not meant to be lost in the background music or lighting, but rather to become a crucial part of the dance itself and make for a different kind of dance performance.
The Danish-Columbian dancer Rodrigues-Smith makes his debut as a choreographer with MENTE, a piece which explores the opposite end of the pole: a world where reality and subconsciousness merge and create a hazy, dreamlike state. Rodrigues-Smith challenges our modern day, technology-ridden society with a piece that examines what happens when the human mind is constantly bombarded with external stimulation and the only retreat is within. The piece explores the misty universe of the subconscious, and by using an interactive sound system, Rodrigues-Smith hopes to unite the dancers and the audience in a trancelike state where the edges between reality and dream have been blurred.
The piece will run from March 2-9 and there will be a few special arrangements in connection with it. After the show on March 4, anyone under the age of 25 will have the chance to go behind the scenes and explore the technique of the interactive software used in the show. After the show on March 8 the doors will open for Loona Nights, an ‘open stage’ night where young artists have a chance to present their latest pieces to an audience. Typically, there are about ten performances, each about ten minutes long.
So, whether you’re a great connoisseur of dance or don’t know the difference between plié and a pirouette, …and it ends TWICE is sure to entertain and to have you questioning not only your idea of dance, but your very own everyday life.
… and it ends TWICE
Store Carl, Pasteursvej 20, Cph V; starts Sat, ends March 9, performances Mon-Fri 20:00, Sat 17:00 & 20:00; tickets: 130kr, concessions 60kr; www.dansehallerne.dk
