Bespoke, presented by the Queensland Ballet, is a beautiful collection of contemporary ballet pieces that connect to the audience in different ways. It explores the meaning of movement and shows a connection between the human form and the various ways in which it moves and connects to other bodies. The three part that feature include Carbon Field, B-Sides and Parts per Million.
Each part that featured was unique in presentation, style and tone. Themes of human connection come to mind as the audience viewed the dancers, in a large group, moving gradually - affecting every other dancer as they moved. The male and female form showed the connection between masculinity and femininity and was unique in the sense that the viewer was able to witness this dynamic in the context of contemporary ballet with a classical touch.
Bespoke is a display of physical poetry. Even if there isn’t a clear storyline, there are still themes that the audience can relate to. The audience is left to experience this format in their own way, and tune in to their inner world to discover what it means to them. Bespoke is worth watching as it is full of surprises. From one part to the the next, it will take you on a journey where you will feel as light and as free as the dancers on stage.
Contemporary ballet is similar to classical ballet but is a little different in the sense that there is more flexibility with what you can do. Bespoke demonstrates the restraints a dancer has, and eases off restrictions or rules that one must adhere to as a dancer on stage. A little rebellious, this dance performance is worth every minute, as it goes from abstract to highly inventive and bends the rules once again.
The lighting was exceptional, and so was the coloured themes that appeared in B-Sides. There was coloured, moving sets and popular music playing such as You Don’t Own Me. The dances that featured were quite free-flowing and included unusual positions, such as one of the female dancers holding onto the set above as the male dancer supported her from below.
Difference scenarios played out and it was a lively sequence. The two pieces that feature before and after slow it down but also help the viewer to stop and think about the meaning behind the movement. Bespoke features until Saturday, the 17th of November at The Brisbane Powerhouse.
13th - 17th November
Brisbane Powerhouse, The Powerhouse Theatre
By: Joanna Letic