Thrilling, worldclass dance

THE New Zealand Dance Company’s ‘‘Kiss the sky’’ tour gave us two different approaches to choreography in two thrilling and superbly executed works.

Every community contains individuals keen to break away. Yet individuals who strive to stand alone cannot escape their roots. The premiere of Victoria Columbus’ ‘‘The Fibonacci’’ portrayed the endless tension between belonging and breaking free.

The Fibonacci mathematical equation reflects and connects patterns found right across nature — patterns that humans seem hardwired to investigate.

Columbus’ dancers explored patterns in relationships, constantly forming and reforming, weaving and unpicking harmony. Movements were loose, expressive and flowing, connections made, broken, and remade.

Different routes led to the same destination. And aside from a fleeting and touching duet, it seemed to be a process without end.

By comparison, Kim Jae Duk’s piece, Sigan, was strictly structured, demanding prescribed movements and exacting preKiss the sky

Lake Wanaka Centre Bruce

Hawea Flat Hall Sunday, April 7 cision. Dancers drew on the explosive speed and repetition of martial arts, punctuated by moments of impossible stillness and balance.

With a haunting and at times meditative soundtrack, Sigan was both confrontational and demanding.

Both choreographies were exciting, exhausting, exhilarating — and world class.

The storylines in original mime and puppet show ‘‘Bruce’’ may be world weary, but it seems the hardcase hero, a bath sponge with pingpong ball eyes, never confronted a cliche he couldn’t exploit.

Bruce is a shooin for Bmovie stardom. He has attitude and a shady past but he’s a sponge with a soft centre, and expert handlers Daniel Buckle and Nick PagesOliver have him under control.

Super lowtech high action adventures ensue, and the result a very clever, very funny romp.

This is something you can — and should — try at home, but bathtime may never be the same.