REVIEW: National Dance Company Wales

National Dance Ccompany Wales

at Cast, Doncaster on November 4

WOW! That was pretty much my response after sitting through the three parts of National Dance Company Wales’ show. I was completely blown away by the pace, imagination, technical skills and sheer exuberance of the pieces performed which reflect a dance company at the top of its game.

The ten dancers gave their all in what were demanding pieces, clearly enjoying the thrill and opportunity. The audience gave them well deserved cheers.

What impressed me was the deliberate leftfield nature of it all, utilising screen projections to enhance the effect, as well as microphones, a wind machine and an impressively versatile wall. At the start of the piece Walking Mad, one of the dancers walked out of the audience and into the weird and wonderful world on stage, engaging the viewers with his journey in the process. All clever stuff!

Tuplet was perhaps the most avant garde of the three parts. To me it was all about exploring rhythm in different ways and the broken up, staccato nature of it gave it a thrilling vibrancy. The music was equally experimental. This was my favourite of the three, although it’s hard to choose between them to be honest.

A Mighty Wind had a rock show feel with the performers almost becoming rock idols on stage. But it was all about overcoming challenges, fighting against the big pressures such as a storm.

Then it was Walking Mad which was largely set against the music of Ravel’s Bolero. Sexiness, humour, tragedy, it exuded the lot. It was a trip into fears, longing and mystery.

A great show and a theatre company to keep an eye on. Catch them if you can.