Rising

Aakash Odedra Company was formed in 2011 as a vehicle for commissioning solos and to develop contemporary dancer Odedra’s own choreographic work. His latest endeavour is comprised of four vignettes, each piece devised by a different choreographer, but all performed by Odedra himself.

The first piece, Nritta (Kathak), is a love story of sorts. Searching for his beloved and finding balance, Odedra uses space and rhythm to explore the effects energy has within a relationship. The dance is commanding in its execution.

The second piece, In the Shadow of Man, is haunting. It begs the question of evolution and how alike the human body is to the animal body. A dimly lit performing space adds to the mysteriousness of the choreography. Movement is slower and more defined, with interesting use of shoulders and hands, highlighting Odedra’s agility.

The impact of the third performance, Cut, is partly due to the lighting design by Michael Hulls. With interesting use of shadows, the movement is cut according to what the lighting allows us to see.

The final piece, Constellation, is a visual treat. Ten large light bulbs hang down from the ceiling, illuminating only after being touched. As Odedra moves between them, he pushes them to create swinging balls of light. Calling to attention the use of gravity, Odedra concentrates his energies on his own relationship with the luminosity.

An attentive audience was left spellbound by the talent of this young man. His boundless energy and intense delivery of each work was a treat to witness.

Kerry Cooper

Photographers: Sean Goldthorpe and Chris Nash.