Review: Softandhard

Contrasts add value

Our contemporary dance is exceptionally Finnish. Among other things, this makes it distinct in comparison to most other European countries. In recent years, the Helsinki Dance Company of the City Theatre has meritoriously enriched the expression of the art form by regularly inviting foreign choreographers. The series now joins the young Slovak choreographer Anton Lachky, definitely a promise for the future.

Lacky’s work Softandhard for – and should be added, since the dancers themselves sign their part of the movement material – Jenni-Elina Lehto, Kai Lähdesmäki, Valtteri Raekallio and Inka Tiitinen from the ensemble, complemented by guest Soile Voima and Nikoleta Rafaelísová, is an almost exhausting experience for both dancers and audiences. The movement material and scenes spin through with an eruptive energy and intensity at full volume. You don’t really catch your breath until the very short but peaceful final scene.
The title of the work is qualitatively descriptive. Despite the exaggeration, the presentation is based on a well-studied body awareness. It makes the exaggerated action possible in swirling and spiraling series around the axis or on the floor level, both individually and together. The voluminiousness of the stage and body language is effectively contrasted with a certain austerity and thus becomes even stronger. The same reinforcing contrast between strength and austerity can be seen in Simon Thiérrée’s specially composed music and Mikki Kunttu’s dominant lighting design for a minimalist arena in black and white.

Stylistically, it is so-called dance dance that applies here. The movements and scenes are filled with meaning, quality, dynamics and the dancer’s personal colour. One discerns a thematic shift from an empathetic introduction (“alone together”), via a liberating play and game situation towards the synthesis of the ending. The grotesque women’s group Inka Tiitinen initiates and leads in a commedia dell’arte-like improvisation that provokes applauding audience reactions. The men’s martial arts-like and exuberant duel rounds off and leads the whole group towards the final movement scene.

A loaded material, a cohesive representation to expressive music and graphic scenery, as convincingly strong as it is alive in the moment, paves the way for success. Once again, it is realised that contrasts provide added value.