The Danceworks in Eccles have been producing biannual showcases of their students work for 20 years, hence the title, TEN - they are celebrating their tenth show! I have always greatly enjoyed the school's output. They engender talent and always manage to bring out the best in even the tiniest and youngest of their number. This afternoon's show had children ranging from perhaps only four years old taking their first tentative steps onto a stage in front of the public, to the older, and more proficient dancers who are at the end of their teenage years and ready to move on to place sand opportunities new. There were dances from contemporary ballet, classical ballet, hip-hop, street, commercial, tap, as well as acting / musical theatre and singing. In other words a complete potpourri of all their classes and students' cumulative abilities, and with 19 items before the interval, and 21 in the second half, one was definitely getting one's money worth!
As always the standard from this company was excellent and professional. Even the tiny-tots sections were well produced and fully inclusive, making it a wonderful experience and learning curve for all involved. I am musical theatre trained and so my preferences will always be with the routines which show an element of theatricality rather than just "dance for dance's sake". It would now be at this point that i would write about a few of my favourite routines (obviously with my slight subjectivity - but that's unavoidable); however, I am struggling to remember titles / music used, and to simply describe the dance or their costumes would not be enough I feel. If a programme comes to light in the near future I promise I shall alter this review to reflect my thoughts here.
The routines were all nicely choreographed (although again I have to admit to liking some more than others), but none asked anything from the dancers that they were ultimately not capable of, although they still pushed them into striving for better and better. Most started with a strong picture and finished with an equally strong picture too, and the use of space and spatial awareness was from the intermediate levels upwards nicely done. This is something that the very young still have to master obviously.
As always, an extremely interesting and entertaining event showcasing tomorrow's talented stars. Congratulations once again to everyone, and I look forward to seeing you all again in two years' time!
Reviewer - Alastair Zyggu
On - 21.2.26
