Yorke Dance Project's 'Modern Milestones' Showcases Wit and Poise at Royal Opera House
Yorke Dance Project's latest bill, titled 'Modern Milestones', has graced the stage of the Royal Opera House with a lively and varied showcase that is packed with both wit and poise. This performance offers audiences a rich tapestry of modern dance, blending historical revivals with contemporary creations, all underpinned by a solid emotional grounding that resonates deeply.
A Packed Bill with Historical Depth and Contemporary Flair
From the pioneering works of Martha Graham to the evocative sounds of Leonard Cohen, Yorke Dance Project's new programme provides plenty for dance enthusiasts to sink their teeth into. The company has built a reputation for specialising in rich revivals from modern dance pioneers, while also commissioning new works that highlight the exceptional talent and artistry of its dancers.
One of the standout pieces is Troubadour, choreographed by Christopher Bruce, marking his first new work in over a decade. This piece injects a happy dash of showbiz into the evening, using Cohen's music to celebrate the highs and lows of life on the road. Bruce, in his long career as a choreographer and former director of the Rambert Dance Company, has frequently turned to pop music to create atmosphere and narrative.
Christopher Bruce's 'Troubadour' and Its Emotional Resonance
In Troubadour, Bruce employs a recording of Leonard Cohen in concert from 2008, choreographing not just the singer's music but also his patter. As Cohen humorously reflects on his age, there is a palpable sense that he has lived within these songs, adding layers of nostalgia and authenticity to the performance.
Dancer Liam Francis, dressed in a suit and trilby, executes a soft-shoe shuffle to Cohen's self-deprecating chat, turning on the charm with a smooth, silk-like quality that blends spontaneity with habit. As the songs unfold, Bruce skillfully picks out moments of need and nostalgia, illustrating the ongoing journey of life. Francis is joined by three more men and four women, with messy relationships unfolding in a nightclub atmosphere. Slinky touches of tango emerge as the dancers swoop into each other's arms, creating a dynamic and engaging visual narrative.
Diverse Choreography and Emotional Grounding
Liam Francis also takes on the role of choreographer in CAST[x], a tight and tense quartet set to a score by Jethro Cooke that samples voices with lines like 'Don't look at me like that' and 'What would you have done?'. Casually dressed, the dancers twitch and wind around each other, always braced for the next accusation, with pointed fingers conveying admonishment or defensiveness.
The programme includes Martha Graham's Deep Song from 1937, a stark solo created in response to the Spanish Civil War. This piece is dance that starts from the gut, with Amy Thake's deep breath visibly pulling into her torso before spiralling out through her limbs, offering a powerful and emotive performance.
Reviving Neglected Works and Celebrating Modern Dance
While Graham's big-name status helps her works survive, modern dance remains a fragile art form, and Yorke Dance Project serves as a rare outlet for neglected 20th-century pieces. Bella Lewitzky's 1970 Kinaesonata is a bright and vigorous piece for eight dancers, full of bounding jumps and lovely bold shapes. This performance brings out both the clarity and the energy, with dancers tipping into sharp new directions.
In Robert Cohan's Lacrymosa, dancers Eileih Muir and Jonathan Goddard reach for connection in a manner that is both tender and tentative. Throughout the entire programme, the performances are noted for their emotional grounding, which matches their technical finish, ensuring that each piece resonates on a deeper level with the audience.
Overall, Yorke Dance Project's 'Modern Milestones' at the Royal Opera House is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of modern dance, offering a compelling mix of history, innovation, and emotional depth that captivates from start to finish.
