Interesting ideas, excellent dancing

Toi Poneke Dance Residency, Gryphon Theatre, Wellington, until February 22

Toi Poneke’s inaugural dance residency is part of a new initiative at the Toi Poneke Arts Centre, designed to support fresh new dance talent in developing their creative and professional work.

The 2017 recipients of the dance residency are Samuel Hall and Holly Newsome, and for production, Brynne TaskerPoland. Samuel Hall’s Subsequent Slavery focused on how we are all trying to ‘‘get somewhere’’ and fulfil our own expectations of life. It questioned what would happen if we stopped for a moment and allowed ourselves to fall apart and what the consequences would be of this choice.

On a bare stage, four dancers were concealed inside a large bubble wrap, which moved and shifted shape through their exertions within it. Gradually, first one, then other dancers emerged for a while, then returned to the wrap.

Although choreographically there was nothing very new here, it was an interesting idea that could perhaps be developed further. Overuse of the bubble wrap with its accompanying rustling noise became tedious. Less movement of the wrap might prove more effective. The sculptural shapes, particularly towards the end of the piece when it was stationary illuminated by a red light, worked well.

All four dancers – Issy Estrella, Tiana Lung, Jess Newman and Rowan Ross – performed strongly, seizing their solos and duets with vigour.

Holly Newsome’s Incognito dealt with the ways in which people and society often hide their true selves through elaborate camouflage. This is sometimes achieved via words, false emotions and facial expressions. These are conveyed by quirky, inventive choreography, as well as by the introductory airline safety voiceover, to which the dancers amusingly lip sync.

Although there could be more cohesion between the different sections, overall the work is very entertaining.

Again all four dancers were excellent. A good beginning to the residency. – Ann Hunt