Festival DANCE
RHYTHMIC CIRCUS: FEET DON’T FAIL ME NOW Music and dance show raises the roof
I t’s impossible to know for sure, but the final song in Rhythmic Circus’ set might just be the most joyful five minutes at this year’s Fringe.
Admittedly, we’re already in a very happy place by the time they play it, having spent an hour in the presence of seven musicians and four dancers who ooze skill and talent from every pore. But still, it’s a great song, we’re on our feet clapping along – and the prospect of the show ending feels like a very bad idea. Rhythmic Circus delivered their particular brand of feel-good funk in Edinburgh two years ago, and this year’s show is even better. Soulful vocals, superb musicianship, four tap dancers with boundless energy and enthusiasm – and a beatboxer who appears to have had his vocal cords removed and replaced by an entire DJ mixing table.
The dance routines are slick, tight and synchronised, with tap shoes pounding away on hard wooden boards, or percussive rhythms created on metal chairs. The band knows each other inside out and plays as one spirit-lifting whole (although quite rightly, each musician gets a brief moment in the spotlight).
Few words are
spoken, but the communication between performers and audience is warm, friendly and encouraging. Playing original material throughout, the music is so accessible and strong, it’s as if we know the songs already.
There aren’t many surefire good times guaranteed at the Fringe, but this is definitely one of them. (Kelly Apter) Assembly Hall, 623 3030, until 25 Aug (not 18), 7.45pm, £15 (£13). ●●●●●
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HITLIST THE BEST DANCE EVENTS
✽ Black Grace A superb mixed bill of contemporary and percussive dance
from this New Zealand-based company. See review, page 63. Assembly Roxy, 623 3030, until 22 Aug, 7.20pm, £14–£15 (£13–£14).
✽ Gnosis The inimitable Akram
Khan is joined by Fang-Yi Sheu for this duet with live music inspired by a section of the Mahabharata. See feature at list.co.uk/festival. King’s Theatre, 473 2000, 19–21 Aug, 7.45pm, £12–£32.
✽ Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don’t Fail Me Now Prepare to feel alive, as the
American tap dance and music sensation strikes up the band and gets hoofing. See review, left. Assembly Hall, 623 3030, until 25 Aug (not 18), 7.45pm, £15 (£13).
✽ I AM Samoan choreographer
Lemi Ponifasio and his company MAU return to the International Festival with another contemplative work. See preview at list. co.uk/festival. Playhouse, 473 2000, 16–17 Aug, 8pm, £10–£32.
✽ Circa The Australian circus troupe has done it again, knocking all other circus shows into the corner with their strength and grace. See review at list.co.uk/festival. Underbelly, Bristo Square, 0844 545 8252, until 25 Aug (not 20), 7pm, £16.50– £18.50 (£15.50–£17.50).
14–25 Aug 2014 THE LIST FESTIVAL 61