REUNE

Article Alice Tchernokova | Photography Shokirie Clarke

The most striking thing about REUNE is undoubtedly the diversity of its acts.

The second iteration of the show recently took place at Sadler’s Wells theatre, in the intimacy of the Lilian Baylis Studio.

Eleven pieces brought together up-and-coming choreographers and film directors, exploring a broad range of genres and dance styles — from concept videos in a launderette to acrobatics on stage, through to comedy and movement therapy.

The idea for the show emerged in summer 2021, as the dance scene was scattered and recovering from the harrowing effects of the pandemic.

“We conceived a simple idea to uplift, celebrate and offer a creative outlet to reunite the community: to say hello again to old friends and share a voice diminished from the isolation of that time,” co-founders Emma Farnell-Watson and Joshua James Smith (Left) say. “The response was not just a sell-out evening of emerging outstanding talent, but a feeling of re-ignition, togetherness and growth. We witnessed an emotional outpouring of pure gratitude from a deep desire to reunite.”

The name “REUNE” itself is a reference to that very feeling of a “reunion”. It is perhaps no wonder then that the various acts offer such an eclectic palette of artistic perspectives, united under a single banner for just one night.

Organised in two acts, the show methodically alternates between live dance acts on stage and short films on a draw-down screen.

Art is, of course, a highly subjective matter, but I felt there were certainly some stand-out acts.

The first act of the night — ‘Goldfish’, a short film directed by Charlotte Edmonds — was an ingenious way to draw the audience in, enchanted by the beguiling movement of the hero female dancer. Spanish-looking, Penelope Cruz-like, she oozes sensuality as she undulates her body beside a somewhat bemused customer in a launderette. Is this scene real, or is it the produce of her imagination? That will be for the viewer to decide.

Directed by Joe Connor, ‘Breathe’ is an invitation to pause. Following a young woman through the hustle and bustle of her busy London life — think eat, sleep, work, repeat — the short film captures how little we pay attention to our inner emotions on the day-to-day. After many days of repeating the same routine, the hero female character finally allows herself a moment of reprieve as she stops in the middle of London Bridge and starts to just dance, using movement to liberate her mind. Time suddenly feels like it’s been suspended: no busy traffic, no crowds… She can just BE.

The healing power of movement is further demonstrated in ‘What Lies Beyond’ — a deeply touching short film directed by Eleonora Ramsby, featuring a father who lost his two sons and a daughter whose father has passed. Together, they explore ways to connect with and express their grief — using dance as a vehicle and common language. 

Bringing a somewhat lighter touch to the show is ’Death of the Bachelors’: a dance act choreographed and performed by Nahum McIean, alongside Mukeni Nel. Two life-long friends have a few drinks and reminisce about their younger days - when everything was perhaps lighter, easier, more fun. The two movers display incredible talent as they swiftly move through funk classics, hopping around the stage in tandem. A great display of both technical and groovy movement.

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Ending the live part of the show with power, ‘All in Black, Nothingness Began to Spin’ features choreographers and dancers Seirian Griffiths and Aurora Casatori, who travel across the stage with some impressive floor work and tumbling. Their technique is impeccable, and the dramatic tone of the piece is thrilling - to the tune of famous quotes from movie classics such as ‘Fight Club’ or ‘No Country for Old Men’.

A brilliant way to wrap up a colourful evening that celebrates art in all its diversity.