Border Bodies dance review: Moving as one
Igor Gasparini’s hypnotic choreography celebrates individuality and collective energy
The movement starts almost imperceptibly in this piece from Brazilian company TF Cia de Dança and choreographer Igor Gasparini. At first, it’s the merest shimmer of a shoulder, a turn of the neck. Nine performers are scattered in a loose nebula, just close enough to touch each other. Carlos Ranoya’s score rumbles into being and slowly they start to stir, with mechanical ripples and whiplash twists. Soon they are pulsing like one giant, intricate organism.
With the dancers dressed in various flavours of street casuals, all in their own particular style, Gasparini’s piece is both a celebration of individuals and a hymn to the magic of bodies in harmony. The ensemble’s focus is awesome, especially when the pace slows and each stretch or bend is eked out: it’s as if we are watching energy explode in slow motion. The performance crescendoes in a euphoric, cathartic samba party of self-expression.
Border Bodies, Assembly Dance Base, until 30 August, 5.15pm; picture João Benz.