Review: HDC2
Dance Company goes into ecstasy
Norwegian Ina Christel Johannessen has already earned her place in the series of important choreographers. Most recently, she delighted in Finland in 2005 with her work … it’s only a rehearsal.
The premiere made for Helsinki Dance Company thus raised great expectations.
The interpretation of the three excellent dancers is guaranteed HDC quality. Johannessen’s movement is disciplined, sharp and well thought out. The secret lies in the precision of the details.
In terms of atmosphere, Something Spooked the Horses is darkly serious. The entire stage image is simmering in the decaying colours of autumn, despite the flowers on the sides of the stage. Sofia Hilli and Jenni-Elina Lehto are two strong women, to whom Valtteri Raekallio gives a surprisingly soft contrast. But will this create a triangle drama, or what? The idea feels unfinished and in the end, despite all the great movement, a dull taste remains.
The performance now seems to lack the originality that was … it’s only in a rehearsal. In the literature, this would be called intermediate work. That’s what it inevitably is – okay, but it doesn’t leave many marks.
Simo Kellokumpu , on the other hand, surprises with his fresh and strong work Daydream Junkies. Of course, there would always be enough sealing and sanding, but even as it is, it keeps its grip.
We have to wait a while for happiness and dreams from the beginning, until we get to an effective and very cool shoulder-raising unison line. Then it tears. The entire brilliant ensemble is carried away by ecstatic ecstasy reminiscent of a revival meeting. Strobe lights underline the experience with a matter-of-fact minimum.
Kellokumpu culminates many scenes for Unto Nuora to perform, which is right. She is an absolutely phenomenal dancer and exerciser – even in this group. His movements are super precise and finished. Heidi Naakka also has a wild throw.
Kellokumpu has said that he does not want to take a stand or declare anything. Many scenes are left purely to the viewer to interpret. What is the Messiah-like male figure that others kiss?
Perhaps these visions just stem from the subconscious of the creator. Or are they trips for naptime junkies?
The minimalist electron boom of the soundscape in both works brought me to the brink of migraines.