HK Soul Showcase: Gemini and Romantic 4:48am dance review – Hong Kong in motion
Two striking duets explore power, intimacy and playful surrealism through contemporary dance
This double bill, from choreographers Justyne Li and Blue Ka Wing, shows Hong Kong’s dance talent in thriving form. Li’s Gemini is up first, an eerie and intriguing duet where superhuman forces whip the dancers’ bodies around with hurricane strength, or take over their fingers, necks and limbs in blasts of animatronic twitching. The two dancers (performing in moody, muted casual clothes) have awesome control and precision over their movements, making each detailed wrist flick or arachnoid splay of legs look hauntingly uncanny. They tussle at a distance, manipulating each other with invisible energy and, close up, covering each other’s eyes, taking turns at who holds the power.
Blue’s Romantic 4:48am also introduces power games but softens the pent-up tension of Gemini. Here we have a sensual and playful palette of tactile velvet and ruffle costumes, with knotty intimate movement (plus guest cameos from a hoover and a hairdryer). Near the start, the two dancers are locked together so tightly they form a strange flower. Later they play lightly sadistic games, slapping each other’s hands to the lyrics of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and weaponising those previously mentioned household implements. It’s wonderfully whimsical and a beautiful foil to Li’s enigmatic piece.
HK Soul Showcase: Gemini and Romantic 4:48am, Assembly Dance Base, until 16 August, 5.30pm.