London Ballet Company present a wee preview to the epic Olympics.
While much of the city has been caught up complaining about the Olympics, London Ballet Company have been busy dissecting it. Exploring the world of sports, training, media and dance, their show Citius Altius Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger) is a graceful, funny depiction of the pressures and the glory of athletics. The production’s chief successes are its variety of pace and expression in addition to its seamlessness.
This is down to the excellent choice of themes, costumes and most crucially, music. Classic, contemporary and occasionally a little cartoonish, the production makes plenty of room for beautiful, enthralling choreography, sharp, expressive movements and plenty of humour. With London as one of its recurring themes, the dancers take us from uncomfortable, repetitive tube journeys to intense training sessions, ceremony and celebrations.
Told through the fast-paced, challenging movements of contemporary ballet, the perpetual training, unavoidable photo shoots, and artistry required in sports is made all the more poignant. From the precision required in events like hurdles, to the team work needed in relay, the mental and physical challenges faced by athletes, in the hands of LBC are conveyed through some captivating ensemble choreography.
However, there are moments where there is an unnecessary lack of finesse. Holding difficult poses while one of the company performs a solo piece, the rest of the dancers visibly struggle to keep their stances. It wouldn't hurt to use positions that are just as powerful but easier to hold, or perhaps shorten the solo performance. What's more, since the way dance is received is rooted so firmly in aesthetics, some basic issues of neatness could be addressed. For example, if your dancers have long hair get them to tie it in a bun so it doesn't look so messy, it would make for a much slicker performance.
Despite these little niggles, I leave the show impressed at how accomplished the company are. The performance area at Kings Head Theatre can just about contain the six dancers with their energetic routine and remarkable extending limbs. I can only wonder what stunning work they might create on a larger stage.
Citius Altius Fortius runs at Kings Head Theatre until 23rd June.
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