[box]DANCE
“Identify”
QL2’s Quantum Leap, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, season  closed.
Reviewed by Bill Stephens[/box]

UNDER the guidance of Ruth Osborne this program of three dance works exploring themes of identity produced some of the most exhilarating contemporary dance choreography seen in the region this year.

Each had its own compelling score composed by Adam Ventura and impressive audio-visual effects devised by Bearcage Productions.

A noticeable lift in the confidence and skill level of the dancers was evident this year in their more-assured interpretation of choreographic concepts, resulting in many genuinely thrilling moments.

For “The Land is Calling”, Jodie Farrugia concentrated on Australia’s migration history. Her large ensemble cast depicted fleeting images of early settlers, convicts and boat people to a moody soundscape and migration statistics projected on a large screen behind them.

“Precipice”, a beautiful, moving work by Adam Wheeler, used just eight dancers to explore individual identity. Sensitive partnering combined with each individual dancer’s impressive technical abilities, made this piece a stand-out.

The program concluded in spectacular fashion with “Digital Face”, involving an ensemble of around 30 dancers armed with imaginary cameras and computers, for which choreographer, Anton, clearly a master of large-scale stage-movement, devised a succession of dazzling, joyfully-danced episodes for his witty take on life in the technological age.