DANCE
For the p busting out of London and going on the road. Performing at nine venues across the lfK. the show gives international artists and local acts a chance to come together under one roof.
For three days each May. London‘s Sadler‘s Wells theatre is overrun with breakdancers. graffiti artists and l)Js — something Edinburgh‘s Festival Theatre is keen to emulate. Hosted by hip hop dance theatre gum Jonzi I). the job of finding Breakin' (‘mn‘ention's local talent has fallen to lidinburgh— based breakdancer Tony Mills.
‘()ne of Jon/.i‘s prerequisites was that the local acts had to he of a certain level.” explains Mills. ‘So I‘ve been ensuring that people are trying to be creative with hip hop. That the work they‘re producing is not superficial showing-off. as breakdance usually is. that it has some integrity. You can‘t just do a headspin for the sake of it. there has to be a deeper thought behind it.‘
Mills has recruited acts from throughout Scotland. including Dundee’s Showcase The Street. Glasgow‘s lndie B Jewels and Flying Jalapenos. Edinburgh's l’sychostarl. and Rhythm Inc and Livingston‘s l"ree2l"low. All the groups will get a ten minute slot on the main stage. before giving way to three giants of the hip hop dance scene — lilectric Boogaloos from the LS. Brazilian Frank lijara and France‘s Frank ll Louise.
Having travelled down to the main Breakin‘ Convention show in London each year. Mills is excited to have the event on home turf. ‘lt's excellent that Breakin‘ ('onvention is touring around.‘ he says. ‘Hip hop dance is creative. it's diverse and it‘s expressive. and I think it's really good that young up— and-coming dancers are getting a chance to perform on such a massive scale.‘
The organisers want to create a relaxed atmosphere at the venue. with foyer action throughout the evening. ‘The doors open at (rpm but the main show doesn‘t start until 7.3()pm.‘ says Mills. ‘So we‘re hoping to get lots of people milling about and creating a good vibe. The l‘estival Theatre has got that big glass front, so it will be great for people walking past to see it‘s all quite hectic in there.‘ Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Fri 1 1 8. Sat 12 May.
12 THE LIST 10-24 May 700/
Company Shordelia
With show titles like Blood. Sweat and Shopping. Saturday Night Divas and Cinderella l’i/at Error}. it's safe to say Kally Lloyd Jones doesn’t take dance too seriously. Formed by Lloyd Jones in 2002. (‘ompany (‘hordelia has become known for its humour and accessibility. especially among audiences new to dance.
‘I think some people can be a little bit scared of abstract dance.’ says Lloyd Jones. ‘They think it’s a language that they don‘t have access to. So I hope that my work helps draw people in. because it's theatrical and might be slightly less frightening. But it's important that all different sorts of dance are supported. because that's what creates a healthy environment for any artform.‘
Lloyd Jones has strayed into unfamiliar territory for her new work. The Red Shoes. leaving behind more obvious humour in search of something deeper. Inspired by the Moira Shearer film and fairytale of the same name. Lloyd Jones has created a solo show featuring three female characters who refuse to conform. Teaming up with choreographer Michael Popper (last seen creating humorous work with Scottish Dance Theatre) Lloyd Jones explores some of the horrifying aspects of the fairytale. in which a young girl has her feet chopped off.
‘()ne of the things I‘ve not liked about my work in the past is perhaps the easiness of it.‘ admits Lloyd Jones. ‘And I was ready to step towards a darker side. I‘m really interested in how comedy works alongside the more difficult stuff. and I think this show requires a bit more from the audience. Sometimes they’ll feel discomfort. but then that turns into something funny.‘
As one of the few women running dance companies in Scotland. Lloyd Jones has had her fair share of highs and lows. But. much like everyone else working in the Scottish dance scene. she‘s optimistic about the future.
‘l)ance has been the poor cousin for such a long time. and I think slowly it‘s being recognised that there‘s no logical reason for that] she says. ‘Because if we don‘t invest in our own people. there's not going to be growth of either artists or audiences.‘
Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Wed 23 & Thu 24 May; Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, Sat 2 Jun.