Reviews
All
- All
- OnSite Program
- Past Works
- Ready for Touring
SPHERE
There was a strong emphasis on fluidity of the upper body and, when working in groups, the dancers moved together often with bodies twisted around each other. Unusual shapes developed. But what made the work so immersive, was the magnificent video imagery that covered the walls of the Vault as the dancing moved ahead.
By Michelle Potter | Canberra CityNews
SPHERE
The dance style is abstract, often bordering on improvised movement as individual dancers gracefully move through tightly focussed spotlights. Make what you will of watch you see, SPHERE offers a provocative, tantalising, fascinating experience to celebrate the first ten years of existence for the Australian Dance Party.
By Bill Stephens, OAM | Australian Arts Review
The Dataset at ‘That’s Two, Thank You’
The Dataset elevates beyond conceptual exercise with its emotional resonance. As the performers navigate the collapse of their data-driven world, we witness not just technical breakdown but existential crisis. Who are we when the systems that define us fail? The work poses this question with haunting clarity as Plevey and Black rediscover embodied knowledge and human connection. The Australian Dance Party team have crafted a work that lingers in the mind, a testament to dance's unique ability to process complex societal shifts through the wisdom of embodied experience.
By | That Show Blog
The Dataset
"There is a tinge of sadness in observing these humans engage and attempt a meaningful connection. The choreography is delicate and sweet, with mimicry and brief physical human contact. Whether daily life may or may not entail autonomous contact, the assumption is that outside of these scanning and data download interludes, life is still rather “normal” – relationships, work, hobbies, eating and drinking, sleep. Yet this literal dark and digital world created here makes that seem remote and strange."
By Samara Purnell | Canberra CityNews
The Dataset
"Gentle electronic sounds suggest busy technology going about its business, leading to an uncomfortable feeling that somehow the audience is unwittingly being caught up in some sort of advertising scam. The pseudo-scientific aspects of the production are brilliantly realised, creating a slightly surreal hypnotic effect as Plevey and Black progress through a series of tests and exercises which ultimately lead them to pile up the fluorescent lights to form glowing campfires."
By Bill Stephens | Australian Arts Review
Co_Lab:24
"[...] however there was fascination in watching six accomplished artists sharing their individual skills to push boundaries [...] to create a memorable experience for each member of their audience."
By Bill Stephens | Australian Arts Review
Co_Lab:24
"...for those interested in a peek at how artists in different fields are now so often collaborating and creating work, both expanding their own repertoire and offering a different type of experience for audiences, this improvised, multi-disciplinary interaction of sound, dance and art offers this opportunity, whilst creating a sensory, immersive and unique experience."
By Samara Purnell | CityNews
Culture Cruise
"It brought together over half a day so many aspects of Canberra’s cultural life—art, architecture, dance, music, food and wine and more—as well as giving an opportunity to take in the immediate landscape, the expansive lake and the beautiful surrounding mountains, the Brindabellas. While it would be an exceptional experience for visitors to Canberra, I (having lived in Canberra for 50+ years now) found so much to enjoy and think about. There are plans for Culture Cruise to continue in 2023. Do take the opportunity to join a cruise. You won’t be disappointed."
By Michelle Potter | Michelle Potter... On Dancing
Culture Cruise
"Australian Dance Party has cleverly subverted a familiar activity into a unique and satisfying artistic experience perfect for savouring as a personal indulgence, or as something to share as a friend or fastidious visitor."
By Bill Stephens OAM | CityNews
Strings Attached
“The concept behind the show, devised by the ‘Party Leader’, dancer Alison Plevey, sounds simplistic: an investigation of the relationship between music and dance in a collaboration between four dancers and six musicians from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. But as developed in performance it was totally engaging, illuminating and just plain exciting to watch.”
By |
