A collaboration between the first and second year students of Arden Theatre School's Dance And Performance Degree Course students saw them perform a series of dance routines this afternoon under the banner title of 'The Opposite Of...'.
16 dances were performed in total, in three different sections or parts: The Opposite of Sadness, The Opposite of Mild, and The Opposite of Hate. The two year groups took it in turns to perform a routine, thus giving the group a short rest before having to give their all on stage again. The dances showcased hip hop, street, commercial, contemporary dance, contemporary ballet, with a tantalising glimpse of a little jazz and only one tap routine which started the the show, as the first years tapped their way through 'Pencil Full Of Lead'. (which incidentally was my favourite routine of the whole showcase!).
A lot of stress and hard work had obviously gone into making these dances as professional and as 'industry standard' as possible, and indeed, the standard was very high and the routines diverse and enjoyable. The choreographers (sometimes tutors, sometimes students themselves) had thought about their dances in detail, imaginative and visually interesting, using the whole stage area well, giving a good balance between small ensemble (or just one or two dancers) and full company, and creating tableaux which not only looked good but stretched the dancers' individual abilities to the limit without asking them to do things which were beyond them. My only small negative criticism is that at times the noise of feet walking on or off stage was very loud, and it would have been preferable for the company to have walked on and off silently.
The lighting design was not over-fussy and worked well throughout, and sound levels were a little loud but not ear-piercingly so. Costuming was generally good and apt for each piece.
An enjoyable 50 minutes of exciting dance performed proficiently and with poise, by the next generation of dance performers.
Reviewer - Alastair Zyggu
on - 9.5.25
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