move: the company

Review Vancouver’s take on SOLD DOUBT

September, 2010

REVIEW VANCOUVER: SUSAN PEAKE

Sold Doubt

Friday's performance demonstrated that this little dance company takes its craft very seriously. Each dancer is not only highly skilled in contemporary dance but also in elements of ballet, gymnastics, theatrics and comedy. These elements come together to provide fascinating entertainment.

The evening began with a solo performance entitled Miss Independent. A combination of mechanical movements fused with traditional ballet achieved an effect that was compelling. The subsequent numbers were equally captivating and proved that there is no 'one' dancer's body type. As most ballet dancers are within a fairly rigid height and weight range, these contemporary dancers prove that size doesn't matter.

Colours in costumes and lighting were brilliantly incorporated into the dance numbers and provided a rich visual effect that enhanced each performance. The musical accompaniment was taken from renditions of the rock group No Doubt's greatest hits and served to set the tone of this contemporary dance rock concert.

Dance numbers were a varied combination of solos, pas de deux, pas de trois and groups of various numbers. Dialogue that included announcements to the audience, props from oranges to buckets of water, all served to create a fast paced, yet somewhat startling experience.

Josh Beamish is undeniably an exceptional dancer as well as Artistic Director. He brings pure visceral physicality to the dance performances and incorporates the traditional with the contemporary with an expertise that is impressive. It is not surprising to find that Move: The Company will take part in Miami's International Ballet Festival, the Quinzena de Danca Festival in Portugal, and Expo in Shanghai later this year. Congratulations!

© 2010 Susan Peake