In the Round
★★★★☆ Enthralling
Greenside @ George Street (Venue 236): Mon 19 – Sat 24 Aug 2024
Review by Suzanne O’Brien
In the Round by Yucca Dance at Greenside on George Street for the last week of the Fringe is a captivating exploration of the circles and cycles that shape our lives.
Choreographed and performed by Yuxi Jiang and Luca Vaccari, this piece blends Chinese and Western contemporary dance and is enriched by elements from various cultures, including Tibetan spiritual practices.
In the Round. Dancer Yuxi Jiang. Pic: Siyao.
The performance delves into the different forms that circles and cyclical events take in our existence, exploring their meanings, possibilities, and challenges. In the small, intimate venue, nothing is hidden. Every finger placement, every intricate movement, and even every bead of sweat is visible. The pair never miss a beat, demonstrating incredible attention to detail.
The partnering work is particularly strong. When they move and intertwine, there is a delicate quality to each of their movements, yet every one is completely assured. The more tender moments are beautiful to watch, and the inclusion of humour in one section adds a refreshing touch.
The piece is split into sections, with a mix of both solos and duets.
A film of the pair dancing in a labyrinth is projected at the mid-point, offering a beautifully shot 360-degree experience, allowing us to get an even closer view of them. There are moments where the transitions between sections feel a bit stilted. This is particularly noticeable when the music stops, disrupting the otherwise smooth flow.
global dialogue
The music by Dip in the Pool, a Japanese pop duo, adds a futuristic and otherworldly quality to the performance. Additionally, excerpts from recorded interviews in various languages introduce a global dialogue on circles and what they symbolise. During one particularly powerful solo by Vaccari, Jiang plays bells, their sound representing shackles tying Vaccari down and ultimately breaking. This is a moment that feels slightly haunting yet ultimately freeing.
For only thirty minutes, In The Round transports you to a world where every movement has significance, and every circle tells a story. This heavily symbolic performance will leave you with thoughts spinning around your head. It is a mesmerising metaphysical exploration of life, movement and meaning, brought together by two dancers whose connection and precision make you wish for a longer piece.
Running time: 30 minutes (no interval)
Greenside @ George Street (Olive Studio), The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, EH2 2PQ (Venue 236)
Monday 19 – Saturday 24 August 2024
Daily: 10.30am
Details and tickets at: Book here
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/intheround/show-details
Facebook: @In the Round
Instagram: @C-vwSRtssKl
ENDS
