Ladies, take note. 2Faced Dance Company’s triple bill isn’t just about eight handsome gentlemen wooing your socks off, back-flipping for your pleasure - although I dare say many are likely to enjoy the evening for similar reasons. If it was possible to lick your lips at dance, In the Dust have just proven it so. A testosterone-filled triple bill has been brought to The Place in the most stylish of fashions, including three new works by three critically-acclaimed choreographers. An all-male company, 2Faced Dance are renowned for their infusion of break and contemporary dance in the most athletic of natures.
The night starts off with a bang and the first piece is over before you know it. Place Prize semi finalist Tom Dale presents Subterrania in a haze of smoke, engulfing its audience in an intense atmosphere from the very first second. The urban twists are immediately evident, aiding the athleticism by impossible means. Artistic skill leads to a constant catching of breath as the murmuring, snaking music and powerful lighting work harmoniously with fierce and focused choreography. An overwhelming choice of where to look progresses as the movement swiftly sweeps you off your feet: The Matrix has nothing on this. Neutrally tatty clothing produces attractive whipping of material and body, encouraged by flying limbs that appear from nowhere. We are introduced to fitting qualities in forms such as writhing gas masks which soulfully ease the tension. The structure as a whole builds exactly where it needs to and everything clicks perfectly into place from start to finish. No gimmicks, just talent.
The astonishing factor undoubtedly lies within the impossibilities these outstanding dancers carry out. However, it is not only the skill that leaves jaws on the ground, it’s how these tricks are put to use creatively. The mix is of an outstanding quality, as is the two-man roly poly! Every moment flowed with such essence, literally continuing forever it seemed. Wildly charismatic - hearts will race! A lack of care surrounds what they are trying to say as you are guaranteed to want to remain in this intrigued state.
Politciking Oath is the breather that follows, choreographed by Freddie Opoku-Addaie. Although at a quieter pace, this piece is just as clever. Four lights, three men, and a couple of props are what make up the Olympic-esque activity before us. The stamina of the piece builds as does the competition, using the music as a focus. Ticking, commentary, anthems and the repeated phrase ‘True spirit of sportsmanship’ creates the theme and the relationships between the dancers, providing some comical moments. A juxtaposition of activity and accompaniment continually triggers, adding depth and intricate qualities to this simplistic layout. Although similar movement vocabulary is notable throughout the whole bill, Politciking Oath prides itself in its unique persona, efficiently using the dancers to its advantage.
Finally, Tamsin Fitzgerald concludes this mind blowing spectacle with 7.0, a slightly more zesty finish. Eerie is the first quality that springs to mind which is fully complimented by white dust protruding from the five alternative company members, depending on the individual movements that acknowledge the dust. Inspired by a visit to Haiti after the earthquake, this piece comes at you in an urgent manner and the uncertainty is particularly prominent. You want to know what’s wrong, why all the angst? It sucks you in, in a political yet powerful way while the accompaniment results in slightly more flavoured movement responses. A strobe-like light promotes the violent energy and twitching features as the dancers fling and flail their bodies as if gone mad. Beautiful choreography enables the dancers to shift from shape to shape, creating such images like a human stepping stone. A dynamic and heart wrenching experience to not be forgotten in a hurry.
Glued to your seat unable to blink, 2Faced Dance Company are as impressive as they get. What they do, they do it well with an explosion of individual artistry. Do not miss out on such hell-raising choreography!