Tendrils of Tomorrow was an intriguing evening of dance and part of the Tempo Dance Festival. It consisted of four pieces performed by student from the New Zealand School of Dance and the University of Auckland’s Dance Studies.
The first piece consisted of five dancers dressed in black pants and white singlets. To the sound of ocean waves their movements were at first slow and deliberate but gradually became more energised and frantic. It seemed as though they were portraying some sort of struggle, either within themselves ore with other people. Late dressed in leather jackets they evoked a more organic and earthy form of dance – visceral and captivating.
The second piece featured three women in white tops and with two pieces of tartan cloth dangling from their waists. At times their tightly choreographed movements evoked a female pop group – the movements stylised, quirky, and urgent. This piece was deliciously odd yet extremely well done.
The third piece began with the sounds of an ocarina and deep inward breaths. The dancers wore muted colours. Their movements wonderfully coordinated and their poise elegant and precise. This piece had strong Pacific connections and seemed to evoke moments of togetherness but also tension.
The fourth and final piece was also the evenings most elaborate and longest. Featuring, I think, 14 dancers it began with a very curious opening. Several dancers dressed in a range of costumes – from a prom queen through to someone in a onesie and rubber horses head they stood with fixed smiles as a devastatingly negative review was read out. Their smiles turned to tears.
What followed was a series of beautifully and cleverly choreographed vignettes that involved some ballet styled movements, a very stylised walking on all fours and many other incredible mini pieces that formed one of the most complex and stunning performances of dance I have seen.
Altogether this was one hell of a good night of dance and I would say that this new generation of dancers and their choreographers illustrate that the future of contemporary dance in this country is assured of a wonderful future.
