Resolution! 2011, billed as the largest platform for new contemporary dance, is in its 22nd season. At its root is artist development, and 102 choreographers have been given the stage and the opportunity to show their work in a professional setting. With this in mind, it’s understandable that the quality of the work on offer is wildly varying – adding a little excitement and intrigue for dance audiences in January and February.
The first Saturday night in the season brought us Côte à Côte Theatre Company, MAAIKOR Dance Company and Joss Arnott Dance: three very different types of choreography. Côte à Côte Theatre Company enacted their version of Moliere’s The Sicilian with a nod to Steven Berkoff. Using mainly tango to punctuate and embody their words, this company really was theatre first and dance second.
MAAIKOR Dance Company cited Russell Maliphant’s Afterlight – one of the greatest dance works of 2009 – along with Rolfing as their choreographer’s inspiration for Heart of Ice. The Maliphant influence was clear to see, with a soloist rotating in space, lost in her own world, barely allowing the audience a glimpse of her face. Parts of Heart of Ice felt a little like a carbon copy of it’s predecessor but the movement had a flowing feminine feel that was pleasing to watch.
Joss Arnott Dance performed threshold, giving Londoners another opportunity to see this piece. It does not disappoint. Arnott’s choreography packed a hefty punch and his dancers are a breath of fresh air – all highly trained and eager to put their technical excellence on show. Arnott’s style is a tasty blend of Michael Clark, Hofesh Shechter and Henri Oguike, possibly the perfect tonic for British contemporary dance. A choreographer who clearly knows how to stage a dance, excite an audience and leave you hungry for more.
By Libby Costello
Resolution! runs until 18 February. Tickets £6 advance, £13 on the door. The Place is opposite Euston Station at 17 Duke's Road, WC1H 9PY.
Let us know if you go - we want to find out what you think!
Image of Joss Arnott Dance Threshold by Jui-Wei Hung
