REVIEW - Architecture in Motion | Diavolo Dance Theatre

Written by Gordana Andjelic-Davila

Friday, 07 February 2014 17:26

Los Angeles-based company Diavolo Dance Theatre, established by director Jacques Heim back in 1992, has come to Melbourne’s Arts Centre, bringing an amazing mix of modern dance movement and breathtaking acrobatic stunts, set on a variety of oversized sculptural structures. Diavolo is a medley of endless and diverse styles, among them, everyday movement, ballet, contemporary, acrobatics, gymnastics, martial arts, and hip-hop. When first exposed to Diavolo’s performance, one might think the group is executing random and improvised steps, but soon it’s clear that they are manifesting something which is choreographed down to the minutiae. Architecture in Motion, presented as a double bill, showcases architectural aesthetic with two dance pieces set to a stunning contemporary soundtrack, and is inspired by urban design and cityscapes. The dancers, slide down, climb upon and perform daredevil leaps from movable structures with elegance and absolute intrepidity. The first half of Architecture in Motion, ‘Transit Space’, is set to music and words, spoken by the dancers, tapping into “an awakening” of the soul and the realization of life’s meaning, in a time of isolation rendered by technology and the lightning speed at which we, as a society, currently live our lives. After the intermission, the second half of the show, ‘Trajectoire,’ focuses on a large ship structure which swings from side to side and undergoes a series of transformations. The piece begins slowly, with the dancers balancing and sliding along with the ship, and builds to a pinnacle, with performers flying off the platform to be caught by fellow dancers below, leaving the audience breathless. Architecture in Motion is a unique body of work incorporating a one of a kind set design and and the exploration of movement. Diavolo’s performers are fearless, elegant and strong with a sense of timing by which a Swiss watch could be set, and the way the troupe interacts with the moving sets, makes for a truly spectacular and awe inspiring show. Arts Centre Melbourne presents Architecture in Motion Diavolo Dance Theater Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre Dates: 5 – 9 February, 2014 Tickets: $95 – $30 Bookings: 1300 182 183 The above review was first published on AustralianStage.com.au, and can be viewed by clicking here.