Proximities dance review: Captivating code-switching
Closeness and division are examined in LEI Dance Theatre’s latest piece
This piece by LEI Dance Theatre, from the Hsinchu area of Taiwan, explores what happens to our bodies when personal boundaries and society’s rules are constantly changing. In one section, two male dancers morph through various postures and demeanours; a laddish swagger, a confident sashay with hips swaying, a clumsy stumble with limbs flailing. The code switching is captivating, with those relentless adjustments forcing the dancers to stay in what looks like an endless state of flux. The fluid mix of dance vocabularies is interesting: we see flashes of krumping then hip hop, more graceful ballerina arms then a short-circuiting spasm, or a collapse of arms and legs, like a floppy fish. In the quieter stages between the more impressive, energetic sections, some of the longer pauses and glances feel over earnest.
Being close and keeping others at a distance is another theme, ending with the five dancers wrapped around each other in a tender tangle, after exploring more angular solo or duet dances. Choreographed by Laos-born choreographer Olé Khamchanla, who discovered hip hop while growing up in France, the dancers move through sections where whirlpool arms and windmill legs come together in satisfying synchronicity. But that’s only a brief interlude before they divide again into separate movements.
Proximities, Assembly Dance Base, until 30 August, 7pm; picture: Chang-Chih Chen.