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DANCE BASE Scotland’s National Centre for Dance in the Grassmarket is always a hotbed of diverse movement – but this year it has excelled itself. In this first round of Fringe excitement (there’s more to come later in the month), it is offering ten individual shows for just £5 a ticket. With a show starting on the hour, every hour, you can just turn up and see what’s on offer. Featuring male duet, Rites (pictured), New English Contemporary Ballet’s Something about Others, works based on Indian and Butoh styles and a whole lot more, the Dance Base Fringe motto ‘give dance a chance’ couldn’t be more perfect. See www.dancebase.co.uk for the full programme. (Kelly Apter) ■ Dance Base, 225 5525, until 16 Aug (not 11), times vary, £5.
5QUESTIONS
Cabaret duo, Martha & Arthur prepare to make you howl with laughter while they hoof their hearts out in A Lot of Nerve. But first they answer our five questions
5 reasons people should see your show It’s a marvellous mélange of our favourite music, moves and misfits; the humour is off-beat; but the dancing is not; everything in the show is true (sort of); we’ve been doing it so long we must be quite good at it by now. 4 best things about the cabaret genre The ambience created by some booze and a few small round tables with a candle on top; you can be very serious as no-one takes you seriously; standing on the shoulders of the giants of showbiz (or making them spin in their graves); not being alone in your room.
3 biggest influences on the Martha & Arthur style The late, great Pina Bausch; the Muppets; Bob Fosse. 2 things you do best Mixing up the weird things we have found from the backwaters of culture; not killing each other.
1 word to sum up what you hope to achieve in Edinburgh this year Satisfaction. (Kelly Apter) ■ Pleasance Dome, 556 6550, 8–31 Aug (not 11, 17 & 24), 10.50pm, £7.50–£8.50 (£6.50–£7.50). Previews 6–7 Aug, 10.50pm, £5.
Hitlist FESTIVAL DANCE *
✽✽ Capoeira Knights: The Boys from Brazil These athletic dancers took the 2008 Fringe by storm, and they’re back to do it all over again. Music, dance, backflips and some of the finest six packs in Edinburgh this August. The World @ St George’s West, 07761 716 929, 7–31 Aug, 9pm, £15–£18 (£5–£14). Preview 6 Aug, 9pm, £12 (£5–£10). ✽✽ Still Breathing 2FaCeD DaNcE Company blends hip hop with contemporary to create an energetic hybrid where both styles win. Young, energetic and definitely worthy of your attention. See preview on page 36. Zoo Southside, 662 6892, 9–31 Aug (not 17 & 24), 4.30pm, £12–£13 (£10–£11). Previews 7 & 8 Aug, 4.30pm, £9. ✽✽ Tap Kids Some of the most talented young tap dancers in America head for the Fringe in this entertaining show about high school life. See preview on page 37. New Town Theatre, 0844 477 1000, 5.45pm, £11–£12 (£9–£10). Previews until 6 Aug, 7.45pm, £7.50. ✽✽ Circa Taking all the majesty and awe of the circus and fusing it with beautiful movement, Australian company, Circa joins three of its shows together to make one big exciting Fringe experience. See preview on page 37. Assembly @ Assembly Hall, 8–31 Aug (not 10, 17 & 24), 4.30pm, £14.50–£16 (£13–£15). Previews 6 & 7 Aug, 4.30pm, £5. ✽✽ Flhip Flhop: Everything Happens on the Break Hip hop in overalls, as two breakdancers take on the role of bored decorators in this humorous new show from Rannel Theatre. See preview on page 36. Zoo Southside, 662 6892, 9–31 Aug, 12.50pm, £10 (£8). Previews 7 & 8 Aug, 12.50pm, £7. For venue addresses see index page 80.
6–13 Aug 2009 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 35