Dance Review: What the Body Does Not Remember

13/3/15 - The Lowry, Salford

Fierce, visceral and relevant. If I had to describe this Ultima Vez revival in three words those would be my chosen ones, which is quite an achievement for a work which debuted 28 years ago. It is difficult to believe that this piece was made in 1987, before I was even born. The gripping choreography, the experimental and physical way of working with bodies must have been ground-breaking, as I still find it utterly compelling today.

Wim Vandekeybus is the ultimate movement experimenter, and to think that this piece was his first work – well it’s understandable why he’s had such a long and impressive career. Each scene slowly builds into a perfectly timed crescendo, with dancers hurling bricks, throwing themselves into one another and writhing around on the floor. Every action involves a huge risk, and every dancer executes each movement with a powerful intention. The intention in their bodies is real – it is not performed deliberately as part of their act, in fact none of What the BodyDoes Not Remember feels like a dance performance created to please the audience. The dancers’ intention is real, as if they don’t move exactly when they need to or exactly as rehearsed, they are likely to get hurt.

Aside from the dramatic and thrilling aspects of the performance, it is equally as enjoyable to notice the more stripped back side of Vandekeybus’ choreography. Subtle humour is included in most sections, and best of all the set didn’t include wings. Dancers strolled off stage, casually undressed and collected props at each side of the stage which are usually hidden from view – further establishing bodies purely as vehicles for movement, and breaking down the barriers of performance.

There are two duet sections which stand out for me – the first is primal, animalistic, aggressive and provocative. The final scene includes a number of duets with one dancer on the floor and one in a standing position, the standing body manipulating and intimidating the body on the floor in what seems like a million different ways. Bodies stomp and jump ferociously around their prey, as the audience is transfixed by every intense movement.

Personally I really enjoyed watching the female dancers in this piece. They are just as strong as the males, performing all the same movements, risking just as much and executing just as much power and control. Strong and fierce, I believed they could do anything on that stage.

For me, I’m not sure anyone has really pushed the boundaries of dance and physical theatre like Wim Vandekeybus. His first piece, nearly three decades on, holds more standing and is more impressive than anything I have seen recently. That includes Jasmin Vardimon’s Park, which I watched at The Lowry the week before. As much as I enjoyed it – I love her political and social messages which are entwined with powerful yet intricate choreography - overall the work seemed to lack coherency and structure, the meaning and intention getting lost in parts. With Ultima Vez each scene or section has a clear ending and a new beginning, and you are so captivated by what the bodies on stage are doing that it doesn’t really matter why. But of course, delve deeper, and you will always find a satisfying interpretation.

The revival of What the Body Does Not Remember is currently touring the UK – catch it while you can.

Hello March!

So, I have a very exciting month ahead and I just had to vent my happiness about it all!
Of course, it's the start of spring but it's doubtful we'll see any sunshine anytime soon. Nope, I'm excited because there's an amazing line up of dance theatre at The Lowry and I'm off to Lisbon for a city break with the fiancé. 

First off, next week I'll be seeing Park by Jasmin Vardimon and I can't wait. The last - and only - piece of hers I have seen was 7734, and it pretty much left me stunned so I hope the dance theatre company can thrill me again. Watch the trailer and stuff here.

Then it's time for me and Rik to jet off on a well deserved break (we haven't been abroad together since our year of travelling - I know it's scandalous). We actually booked a mystery getaway so we didn't choose Lisbon but I'm pretty happy with the destination. Neither of us have been before so it will be a nice adventure, and hopefully it will be a bit warmer than it is here in Manchester.

No words can describe my excitement for the next performance I have tickets for - What the Body Does Not Remember by Ultima Vez. I love Utima Vez, I studied them at university and have seen my friend perform with the company in London. But this work is significant as it was the debut piece of choreography from Wim Vandekeybus in 1987. 25 years on, it is still wowing audiences worldwide and I see him as the forefather of physical theatre. Check out dates and more info about the UK spring tour here: http://ultimaveztour.co.uk/ 

I'll definitely be reviewing this theatre duo - maybe together so I can compare - so check back to see if my expectations are lived up to.

Happy March! x

A Day Out in Liverpool...

Recently I've really been getting into the spirit of Sunday Funday.
Knowing you're in work the next day just makes a whole day of drinking and silly antics even more fun, like you know you shouldn't be doing it!

Well yesterday we decided to head to Liverpool for the day, which is only 40 minutes on the train from Manchester. I love being in a different city for the day, and Liverpool is a really nice place to spend the day. So a bunch of us boarded the train at 11.30am with a bottle of prosecco in hand and proceeded to make friends with everyone around us!

So the real reason we were going to Liverpool is because in case you didn't know, I'M GETTING MARRIED. I try to keep it on the down low on the blog so I don't turn into a Bridezilla and start posting a million things about DIY invites and the trendiest wedding colour schemes (there's plenty of other blogs for that) but it is actually the reason we took a trip to the European Capital of Culture.

We were scouting for a wedding band in Scouseland. And where did we go to vet our entertainers you ask? None other than the most famous club in the world - the Cavern Club. Graced by everyone from The Beatles to Queen, it's a venue on every Liverpool tourist's list. It was really cool actually, and even though we descended on the underground cave at about 2.30pm, it was absolutely rocking out and it felt more like midnight or the early hours of the morning when the party is in full swing. It was pretty surreal - like you enter the Cavern Club and you enter a completely different world where time plays no part whatsoever.

So if you're ever in the city on a Sunday afternoon, it's definitely worth checking out. The band we went to see were great, I can picture them playing at our wedding and getting everyone dancing all night long. Now we just need to see if we can afford real rockstars who have a regular set at the infamous Cavern Club...

Aēsop – Skincare Brand Branches out to Selfridges Manchester

I hadn’t heard of the skincare brand Aēsop until recently when it popped up in the beauty department of Selfridges. The small concession caught my eye immediately, with natural open shelving offering rustic charm and beautiful simplicity. The utilitarian brown bottles are also easy on the eye, stripping down to basics and removing the unnecessary frills of most modern skincare packaging.

When I delved a little deeper into the brand, I found out that Aēsop was established in Melbourne and I was instantly hooked! Since 1987, the apothecary-style products with anti-oxidant properties have been sold in Australia and it wasn't long before the brand took off worldwide. However, you’ll only find them in the coolest cities…Paris, Tokyo, New York, London – it made sense to move onto Manchester.

I've tried quite a few of the skincare products now and I've loved every single one. My Mum is a skincare junkie and literally spends hundreds of pounds on the stuff every year. So I’ve always had a chance to try out the best in that field, from Elemis to Gatineau, and I have to say Aēsop reminds me of the botanical smell of Liz Earle. As soon as you use a product the natural smells of mandarin, parsley seed, rose petal or aloe vera have the power to freshen up the skin (and your mind).

One of the best smells I find is the parsley seed, and lucky for me there is a whole Parsley Seed collection. Brimming with anti-oxidants and other extracts of goodness, the range is suitable for all skin types which makes it an easy choice. Afterwards it’s impossible for the skin not to feel refreshed and moisturised, and ready for whatever the day throws at it. In fact, it’s recommended for ‘city dwellers’ who crave a quick fix of exfoliation and hydration.

But there are also a range of products designed especially for certain skin types. Personally I struggle with an oily T zone and am partial to the odd dry patch too, so I fall under ‘combination.’ That’s why I chose the Amazing Face Cleanser (I’d buy it just for the name) the B & Tea Balancing Toner and the Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream. I love the moisturiser because it is lightweight and never leaves any shine or residue like many other moisturisers I have tried.

But as much as I do love the skincare (they also have a hair and body collection which is in my list to try next), Aēsop is so much more than its products. The brand is big on quirky design, and each store or concession is bold and completely unique. It has a flagship store in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda (where I used to live) which is basically a ramp leading to an old underground car park – this was the start of its architectural ambitions.

And rather than selling out to the big guys like other beauty companies, Aēsop prefers to stay independent and small – they don’t have any garish global marketing campaigns or tricks up their sleeve. Most people know about it through recommendations and word of mouth – it’s almost like being in the cool, cult skincare club if you know about Aēsop.

Aēsop’s Founder Dennis Paphitis also seems like a cool guy. In an interview he said, “I was horrified at the thought of Aesop evolving into a soulless chain. I've always imagined what we do as the equivalent of a weighty, gold charm bracelet on the tanned wrist of a glamorous, well-read European woman who has travelled and collected interesting experiences.”

So yes I love the products themselves but I think it’s everything else that’s integral to the brand that makes me love Aēsop more. For instance on the website it states: We advocate the use of our formulations as part of a balanced life that includes a healthy diet, sensible exercise, a moderate intake of red wine and a regular dose of stimulating literature.

It's like they had me at hello.

**I would just like to point out that unlike other bloggers, I HAVE NOT been paid or compensated in any way for this review. I've done it simply because I feel the need to write about how awesome Aēsop is.

Top Things to do in Amsterdam that don’t Involve Smoking Weed

Last year I went to Amsterdam – a choice that baffled some of my friends who couldn’t understand why I’d want to go when I don’t smoke weed. “Will you try it? You have to while you’re there and it’s legal,” people said.

Yes, Dam is known for its liberal nature, but it if often overlooked as one of the most beautiful European cities. I wanted to go on a girly city break for a nice holiday, to see the sights and explore. I was tempted to try my first spliff but I thought if I’m not interested in it at home, then why should I be on holiday? (Plus I figured it’s not the best time to try it in a strange foreign place – I know some first timers who have had bad experiences! Plus it’s not as easy as buying some weed, there’s whole menus and different ways of smoking or eating it and it’s just too complicated!) 

While many Brits heading for the Dam only visit for one obvious reason, there is so much more to do in this city than sitting in coffee shops and getting high.  Yes there’s weed everywhere and the red light district but it is in fact a city steeped in history and unique culture, and surprisingly has a romantic atmosphere. There is so much to see and do that sometimes a ‘short break’ simply isn’t enough.  For people who aren’t interested in getting high, here are the absolute must-dos in Amsterdam which don’t involve smoking weed:

Get On Yer Bike

Bicycles rule the road in Amsterdam (along with the streets, the parks and the canals) so travel around the city like a local on two wheels. The bikes chained up everywhere are permanent features which add to the allure of the gorgeous cityscape.  You’ll come across a bike rental shop every few minutes in the city so no need to worry about finding a bike – just enjoy the ride! If you feel apprehensive about joining the army of cyclists in the street, enjoy a leisurely ride around Vondel Park instead.

Visit Anne Frank Huis 

Amsterdam is full of interesting museums, but if you only have time to squeeze in one then the Anne Frank House is a must.  Bringing the story of Anne Frank and her diaries to life, the museum gives an unparalleled emotive experience like no other.  Imagine visiting a museum about the First World War located in a real life trench on the frontline – this is the immersive experience achieved at Anne Frank Huis.  As the very building the Frank family hid from the Nazis in for two years, and the same location Anne wrote her world famous diary, this museum puts you in the shoes of the girl who became the symbol of the Holocaust.

The museum has a set route for visitors to follow, telling the story along the way with quotes, photographs, videos and artist impressions of how the top secret hiding place used to look.  One of the most harrowing moments is stepping into Anne’s old bedroom, which still has intact the original posters and drawings Anne decorated the room with herself.  The Anne Frank Huis is an unmissable part of Amsterdam, but be prepared to queue – average queue time is 2 hours!

See the Sights by Boat

Amsterdam boasts more canals than Venice, and what better way to see them and the beautiful sights of the city than by boat or barge.  There are countless boat tour companies to choose from, all offering similar tours around the veins of the city.  Decide whether you’d prefer a day or night time cruise as these will both offer a different perspective.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the smooth ride whilst learning about the history of Amsterdam and its canals.  Alternatively, you can event rent your own boat and have a go at navigating the canals yourself.

I have nothing against tourists taking advantage of the marijuana situation in Amsterdam – in fact it really adds to the vibe of the city rather than spoiling it. (For example it transforms the usual binge drinking Brits-on-tour into mellow holiday makers having a cool time). But it certainly isn’t the first and only reason to visit the Dutch capital, and I hope it doesn’t mean people overlook it as a romantic or charming city break destination.

This blog is a revised version of an article I written originally for BBM Live magazine here: http://www.bbmlive.com/visit-amsterdam/

Public Contemporary Dance + Celebrating Women = Love

Yesterday was International Women's Day, and I was thrilled when I realised as part of the celebrations, Manchester Town Hall was hosting a free dance performance.

Ubidanza, an Italian dance company presented Principesse which is choreographed entirely on a stairway.  The dancers used the ornate staircase in the beautiful building to perform the unique work.  The images look so much more powerful thanks to the architecture of the performance space.

The enchanting performance was well received by the audience, many of which were just intrigued passers-by from Albert Square or in the Town Hall for other reasons on a Saturday afternoon.  Femininity was portrayed with playful sounds and movements, gold stilettos and a long sequence of air kisses.

I really enjoyed the live dance performance, but most of all I enjoyed that it was free.  Events like this are the key to getting more members of the public enjoying the delights of contemporary dance.  And of course, I absolutely loved the Women's Day theme and the fact that Manchester City Council have a wealth of events celebrating women across March. 

There was another great celebration of women on display at Manchester Town Hall - a statue exhibition.  It was shocking to learn that out of the 640 listed statues in the UK, only 15% are women; and most of these are monarchs or mythical creatures.  This misrepresentation is highlighted in the Town Hall, where crafty women have hijacked the numerous bustiers of men.  Using crochet masks, they have transformed the successful men into amazing women from the Greater Manchester area who made profound achievements and often haven't received the recognition they deserve.

The collection of women through history include the first woman to be allowed to study at Manchester University, a novelist who had her books burnt, suffragettes, a boffin who figured out the answer to the Rubik's cube and one of the first women to swim the English Channel.  Here are a few snippets:

   
Thank you Manchester City Council - more free dance in public spaces please!

Click here for more information on events throughout Manchester celebrating International Women's Day.

The Travelling Dancer: Photos from Melbourne Laneways

Today I'm going to share some photos taken by my wonderful friend who I met studying dance at uni, when our paths crossed in Melbourne.  She's only just emailed them to me and it's brought memories of my trip flooding back.

Then I thought I need to write a post about what it's like being a dancer on the road, taking time out or a gap year to explore the world.  Because it's really tough; being constantly on the move it's sometimes difficult to find time for any sort of exercise, never mind searching an unknown place for a good dance class.  But that didn't stop me dancing on my travels...

Of course, the internet always helps! But it also depends which part of the world you're travelling in - I was lucky to be living and working in a Westernized country where everyone spoke my native language, which is a great start.  Even if you know you're going to be sticking around in one place for a few months, few backpackers can afford a gym membership or regular classes at a studio (especially at Aussie prices).

Nevertheless, I think I did rather well sticking to my passion whilst I was travelling, and managed to do a wide range of physical activities.  I also tried out a few new classes too! 

For those people who followed my journey from the very start, you'll know I took part in yoga classes right from the beginning of my trip in Thailand.  Most days we were lazing around on the beach or enduring long coach or train journeys, so I was desperate to stay fit and lots of resorts on the islands offered cheap yoga classes. Winner!

When we arrived in Australia, we were broke and had to start work straight away, and I certainly didn't have cash to be spending on anything fun in our first month living in Brisbane.  But as soon as I did, I found myself a yoga studio in the city and bought an unlimited pass - as I worked mostly night shifts, I loved going to yoga class during the day. It's not a substitute for a professional dance class, but at least I was attempting to keep up my flexibility (which is pathetic for a dancer at the best of times!)

I also couldn't leave Brisbane without hunting down Jasmin Meakin's Mega Jam Hip Hop class.  Her choreography is famous all over the world, so this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to learn from the master herself.  I managed to make it to her class twice, and it was absolutely incredible; in the flesh she's even more inspirational. Although I was slightly intimidated by her hardcore hip hop regulars, I cracked the routine and think I did really well - it's just a shame she didn't do a class video the days I was there!

From here we travelled for a month or so, and I have to admit I was having far too much fun to even think about my fitness levels.  But a few dips in the pool and the sea every day count, right? Maybe not, but once we were settled again in Melbourne I found an offer on some Body Barre classes.  I'd never heard of Barre Body before, but their classes are a fusion of yoga, pilates and ballet barre conditioning which sounded perfect.  They offer a range of different class styles with a certain emphasis on toning with weights or more ballet moves, and even I found it tough! I really enjoyed the sessions, and most of the teachers were professional ballet or contemporary dancers themselves which gave me confidence in the class technique.

But I was desperate for some real dancing in my life! Melbourne is such a vibrant, creative city so I thought there must be some artistic schools offering quality dance lessons somewhere in the creative hub.  I found a dance studio close to my flat in the Chapel Street area which was one of my favourite places in Melbourne.  I finally got to a contemporary class - which was good, but very lyrical and Americanized - and tried out some other dance styles too.  The studio had a great variety, from jazz and tap to strength and stretch, and one day I even had a go at Reggaeton.  Which I love from my Zumba training, but full on Reggaeton was very different!

Not only did I long for the physical form of dance to move my body, I also craved theatre trips where I could admire professionals and be emotionally connected with live dance theatre.  So I splashed out on a ticket to The Australian Ballet and had one of my most memorable nights immersed in Melbourne's renowned culture, all on my lonesome.  Check out my review of the performance here. 

As the time to leave Melbourne drew closer, it dawned on me that I was wasting the city's amazing art landscapes.  Not in the way that I hadn't appreciated them; I'd took plenty of photographs to cherish forever, take a look at some of my favourites.  But I wasn't making the most of the cityscapes because I hadn't danced in front of them.  I hadn't chosen an amazing piece of graffiti, danced in front of it in public and photographed the process. So I decided to do just that.   

     

And that's the end of my story about what it's like to be a travelling dancer.  No, it wasn't part of my life every single day, and consequently I probably lost technique, flexibility, strength and many other skills.  But I'd much rather be a travelling dancer than an ordinary traveller, or a normal dancer who doesn't travel.