2 One Another

Sydney Dance Company is visiting Perth for a short engagement at His Majesty's Theatre. The work presented is 2 One Another, a contemporary dance piece in two parts focussing on connecting relationships - couples (2), the individual (One) and groups (Another).

Complex, intricate and precise choreography by Rafael Bonachella is perfectly executed with faultless timing and beautiful dynamics, from the company of sixteen beautiful bodied dancers. The precision of movement is particularly striking, especially when dancing in silence and during the almost discordant music 'Oort' by Murcof in the first of the four movements.

Designer Tony Assness' set is a lit background that synchronises beautifully with Benjamin Cisterne's lighting design and varied music including original work by Nick Wales. Assness' costume design, in navy, then in red, highlights the fluidity of the dancers.

2 One Another is a must-see for the dance aficionados and should be compulsory inspiration for serious dance students. I wouldn't drag reluctant boyfriends who struggle to sit through an episode of So You Think You Can Dance to this one, because there are no distractions. It is excellent dance and that is it.

While this show is clearly an exploration of relationships, there is little to no storyline as such - just purely brilliant dance with a beautiful freshness and immediacy - a pleasure to watch.

Kimberley Shaw

Images: (top) Juliette Barton and Andrew Crawford & (lower) Chen Wen.

Photographer: Ken Butt.