Dance 1:1 (Dance 1st on the 1st) marks a significant event for the Accidental Festival, produced by students from the Central School of Speech and Drama: dance had never been included in the festival’s programme before 2012, and the night was a success for all those involved. Dance 1:1 presented works by five emerging and upcoming London-based choreographers of relatively new dance companies, providing a solid platform for these aspiring artists to further develop their exciting careers.

NineBOBNote opened the evening, presenting As Yet Unknown as a piece inspired by the exploration of the power of female sexuality and the seduction of freedom of choice. The trio were mesmerising and extremely charismatic, forming a dance theatre company under the direction of Lyndsey Allan. Fusing spoken word, seemingly genuine laughter – from both the performers and the enthusiastic audience – and bare flesh, the performers were inspiring in their embrace of the female body and the mysteries of the female allure. Real life and personal experience were drawn upon, encouraging the audience to connect with the issues addressed through the creation of a work which was both entertaining and engaging.

SAAD Dance presented an original piece of dance, Think Outside, choreographed by Marc Saad, focusing on man in his many states in relation to the constant media bombardment of the twentieth century. Whilst the movement quality was organic and intense, the piece in its entirety became all too predictable. To convey oneself through movement as a fresh and unaffected being of the elements surrounding our worlds is a huge challenge, and whilst Saad’s movement itself was unique, the concept behind the performance was unfortunately lost.

Similarly, dt.Ellipsis presented It Started with a Riff, which set out to investigate the work of famous duos such as Morecambe and Wise, The 2 Ronnies and Laurel and Hardy, but it appeared to be more of a stage school effort than a thoughtprovoking analysis of the relationships of famous duos. Whilst the concept lent itself to much anticipation of dt.Ellipses's piece and its inspiration of silent films and slapstick comedy, the final product suggested that much development was needed to reach the goal of the performers.

Following the interval was Wise Man by Charlie Dixon Dance Company, presenting an animalistic view of the power and skill of dancers. The intensity of the company was constantly present in their performance and interactions with each other, embodying an extremely energetic and intricate style of strength and endurance. Dixon’s artistic direction places an emphasis on highly technical and explosive bodily movement, with each dancer undertaking a personal test of skill and attack, set to carry the company on a long and successful journey into the future. Whilst the movement was aesthetically pleasing, it remained innovative and varying, rather than resorting to familiar movement phrases which are seen so regularly.

Closing the programme was Emco Dance, a company comprised of second-year Laban students. The focus and dedication of the dancers was commendable, questioning the physical deconstruction of the human body and the emotional, physical and mental elements which we consist of. Intimate duets were performed with conviction and were captivating, linking trust, power and the art of performance in an impressive piece. Considering the dancers are only halfway through their vocational training, it was rewarding to view Emco alongside four professional dance companies, each bringing an important dance message to their performances. Powerful collisions and a testosterone-inspired section showcased the five male dancers, demonstrating their strength and flexibility. The women, meanwhile, were united in their display of the passion which drives the young performer and the unique skills they must have to fulfil this.