HeadSpace Dance: If Play Is Play

By Catherine Sutherland, 20 April 2014

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Reviewed at Royal Opera House: Linbury Theatre, London on 16 April 2014

If Play Is Play...

HeadSpaceDance

Matthew Dunster, Director

The Royal Ballet and McGregor: stunning dancing but nothing really new

Deborah Weiss, 18th April

An evening of ballets by Wayne McGregor, including the world premiere of Quantum Souls, proved to be a little too much of the same thing.

***11

Natalia Makarova's La Bayadère: a night to remember in Oslo

Vikki Jane Vile, 17th April

Norwegian National Ballet gives a marvellous rendition of Natalia Makarova's La Bayadère. Opening night in Oslo was a strong argument for its place in any season, displaying ballet escapism at its best.

****1

The Center Will Not Hold: Dorrance Dance thrills at Sadler's Wells

Daniel Pratt, 17th April

Dorrance Dance offer a compelling mix of genres in The Center Will Not Hold – high energy, full of surprises, top quality performances.

****1

Scottish Ballet’s Starstruck: plenty of pzazz in Glasgow

Kathy Elgin, 16th April

Christopher Hampson’s newly updated Starstruck is thoroughly entertaining with sexy solos, classical pas de deux and lines of perfectly-timed Broadway hoofing.

****1

Pop goes postmodern: Kyle Abraham's Cassette Vol. 1 in New York

Carla Escoda, 16th April

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham with guest artist Taylor Stanley bring a postmodern vibe to an early MTV-era playlist. One of the most bewitching things you're likely to encounter this year.

*****

International Draft Works at the Linbury brought much to delight

Amanda Jennings, 16th April

The Royal Ballet's International Draft Works proved to be an excellent opportunity to see dancers and budding choreographers from around the world.

****1

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Catherine Sutherland

Catherine has recently moved to Beijing, where she writes, studies Chinese, and teaches English at a university. She has an avid interest in East and Southeast Asian performing arts and has also lived in Seoul, South Korea, and speaks Korean. Catherine is a graduate of Royal Holloway, University of London, worked as dance editor for Bachtrack for 6 months. You can read more on Catherine's Wordpress blog Catherine and the Lion

HeadSpace Dance: If Play Is Play at ROH Linbury