Dance Review: Correspondences @ The Place

By suke Last edited 173 months ago
Dance Review: Correspondences @ The Place

Kettly_Noel2.jpg In the UK debut of Correspondences, part of Dance Umbrella's African Crossroads programme, two feisty women explore the intimate fabric of friendship through a series of meetings. With laughter, scheming, ranting, dance and seduction, Kettly Noël (Mali) and Nelisiwe Xaba (South Africa) use copious on-stage costume changes and props to give a dramatic insight into the dynamics of their relationship.

To tracks by the likes of Eurythmics, Godspeed You Black Emperor and Blossom Dearie, the raw sensuality of the way they contorted and threw their bodies into movements was juxtaposed with the comedy of butt-fights and burping. The visual impact of the night came at the end when two udders, suspended from the ceiling, poured forth an overflow of milk which they drunk, writhed about in and did some impressive slidey moves on. Watch the video if you don't believe us.

Though compelling at times, we were left wanting more dance and less theatrics and dialogue but Correspondences certainly challenged our assumptions of dance from Africa and we are eager to see more from this edgy and brazen twosome.

Part of Dance Umbrella which runs until 7 November. All the info and booking information at www.danceumbrella.co.uk

Last Updated 21 October 2009