The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School: Ballet and Beyond -
Playhouse Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre, 18 September -
Three was plenty to like at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCASS) show at the Playhouse, above all the exuberance and fearlessness of the young dancers and the sheer joy and fun they found in their dancing. There was a lot of raw talent on offer and it was good to see dancers ready to express themselves through dance rather than be constrained by it. This can convey a much more uplifting experience to audience and performers alike than an overt concentration on precision. Dance then becomes the positive experience it should be rather than the negative self-immolating quest it can become. Could that energy and enthusiasm be transposed onto more traditional forms and what would that signify for the forms themselves? Would it crack them open or would it humanise them?
The very varied programme showed the depth and flexibility of the school and of its training, from ballet to musicals to contemporary dance. Les Voyageux offered well drilled and well synchronized ensembles alternating with nicely executed solos and duets, with Maggie Lorraine's choreography sustaining interest throughout. Sophie McDonald stood out in her solo for her musicality and expressive movement.
Singin' and Dancin' in the Rain choreographed by Tanya Mitford was the clear highlight of the evening, the dancers going all out in a high energy performance of dance, acrobatics and acting. All the male and female leads put on a great show, their acting, stage presence and commercial dancing skills quite capable of grabbing and holding attention. Given that so many dance jobs are now in musical theatre this is a good area of training to be proficient in.
Tim Harbour's Chairman Dances and Garry Stewart's Currently Under Investigation were the contemporary dance offerings in the programme. The dancers displayed great commitment, energy and athleticism in the jagged semaphore patterns of Stewart and Harbour's current moto perpetuo style.
Paquita was the ambitious purely classical contribution and the students gave a very creditable rendition of this classic. All the soloists gave strong performances while Isabelle Greenwood danced beautifully as the female lead with secure easy turns. In this work too, level of enjoyment on stage translated into enjoyment for the audience.
- Irina Kuzminsky
Photos: Belinda Strodder. Click on thumbnails for captions.