QL2 Dance’s, “Hot To Trot”, now in its 18th edition, showcases the work of their dancers who have stepped into the role of choreographers.  

There were ten items in this year’s program and all were quite engrossing and entertaining. Each audience member would respond differently to these works but for this reviewer the following works were the most memorable.

“Travelling Light”, a dance video by Natsuko Yonezawa, was dramatic and well-choreographed as well as demonstrating a mature use of film medium.

“Growing Pains”, choreographed by Tahi Atea, explored relationship changes over a lifetime. The concept was clear and fully realised and it was charmingly danced by Natsuko Yonezawa and Walter Wolffs.

“Pet Peeves”, choreographed by Patricia Hayes-Cavanagh, was amusing, well thought out and nicely danced. The choreographer gave a particularly clever and funny introduction to her work.

“The Graveyard Shift”, choreographed by Jason Pearce, was a successful piece with a strong use of light and sound to enhance the concept of what it is like to be a shift worker in the middle of the night.

The outstanding work for me this year was “17 Days”, choreographed by Caroline De Wan, which was a very theatrical concept that worked beautifully in terms of dance with excellent use of sound and lighting.

Once again the big attraction here was the imagination that went into these works and the ability to realise it in terms of dance. This year’s program was of a very high standard across all of the works presented.