Contemporary Dance can come across as pretentious and annoying. Much like most art :) But Dublin Dance Festival is making such an excellent effort to change this perception. Yay. They’ve made it look fun and inviting. And i want to go see stuff. And i am prone to thinking that contemporary dance is just people repeatedly wriggling in some muted coloured leggings and a top. Sigh. So this is big.
The promo makes me happy and makes me go ‘wow – i want to see that’ in equal measures. Poifect.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYZGAU1Wbl8&w=560&h=315]
Dublin Dance Festival – What I’ll be going to see
I’ve decided to go to two performances. Here’s what they are and why i’m going. It seems like they’re both going to be full of wonderful lovely magicness.
1. Aracaladanza ‘Nubes’ (Clouds)
Saturday May 12th and Sunday May 13th at 2pm and 4.30 pm.
They’re a Spanish Dance company and this performance is going to be on in Dun Laoighre. It’s about clouds and what i’ve seen in the promo for the dance festival and the images in the brochure, it’s already captivated me visually – good start!
“Enter an enchanting, joyful world full of moving objects and dream-like imagery. ‘Nubes’ (Clouds) takes a wildly imaginative approach to the theme of clouds, inspired by surrealist artist Magritte.”
How could one say not to that really? Especially when it also involves “flippers, ladders, puppets in suits and all kinds of clouds”.
I think the biggest problem with this show will be the amount of effort it will takt to stay put in my seat and not run up on stage to join in.
To get better value for rail tickets to dance events on outside of the city check irishrail.ie or dublindancefestival.ie. You’ll be looking for ‘Short Hop Family Rail Passes’.
2. junk ensemble ‘The Falling Song’
Ouch
Friday May 18th and Saturday May 19th
Junk Ensemble are an Irish group and this is the world premier of this particular work. It’s an all male cast and they are accompanied by a children’s choir. The theme is that of the nature of flying and falling! I’m sure it’s no coincidence that one of the pieces i want to see is about clouds and the other about flying. Art invites you into it’s world but as the audience or viewer, you get a say in what world you’re invited into. I’m quite partial to those with childlike imaginings of flying, clouds and a somewhat happy playfulness. Having some darkness and ‘grit’ is crucial too, but i find it has more effect when amongst the delightful.
For more information on these and other performances in the Dublin Dance Festival see dublindancefestival.ie
And they have a wonderful section to help you choose based on your interests! So clever and helpful! http://www.dublindancefestival.ie/programme/#
enjoy,
elva.