Bounce Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh
Bounce is a lighthearted tribute to the joy, development and inventiveness of popular street dancing. It steps up with a talented cast of around 15 young dancers, who through the direction of choreographer Anthony van Laast and set designer Patrick Woodroffe create a fun performance that vibrates with vitality and energy. In many respects it tries to cover all the angles – hence the name ‘Bounce’. Dropping from breakdancing right through to skateboarding – all on one stage. Swinging from rap to its funk roots and from the harder edged mcs to mellow acid jazz? In effect the show tries to bring that street dance edge into the theatre and explores its tremendous variety and potential in a palatable format.
The show consists of small acts alternating between different styles - breakdance, locking, popping, lindy-hop, new skool, tap, swing and boogaloo. Mini sketches of ‘everyday’ situations between battling dancers and skaters try to recreate the street atmosphere. To keep the audience interested there's plenty of the flashier skills of breakdancing, aka loads of headspins and windmills, but these are subtly combined with the technical elements of robotic popping. Although the flashier stuff always grabs the non-specific audience and therefore forms the main talkabout highlights in the show. The directors have tried to demonstrate an all embracing ‘spirit of street dance’ – giving a place for swing, tap dance, ballet and, dancehall cabaret-style. This works in the show by briefly highlighting the individual skills and common elements associated within each sub-genre.
The continuous and random interchanging of dance forms, with each showcase lasting no more than a-few-minutes, makes the show seem semi-shapeless. But on the positive side the fast moving switch between sketches leaves no room for boredom. Bounce just wants to give out its message - “have fun and move to the groove” – and this play will send you straight to the dance floor or reaching for your old lino.
Overall, a very watchable energetic play that bounces between different styles whilst still hitting the central hiphop spot. The soundtrack will have you kicking back and nodding your head – the perfect accompaniment for an evening of light wicked entertainment. Check it between the 2nd-26th August at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh and then at Sadlers Wells, London between 28th August and the 16th September.
- Kat_K
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