Get yourself some art

‘Get yourself some art’ is a trio of dance pieces. They are produced and directed by Katrina Lazaroff, Bianca Martin and Deborah Robertson, and are being performed at the Blue Room in Northbridge each evening at 8.00 until 26^th May.

The ratings shown are for the entertainment value of each of the three shows, not the dancing skills, perhaps someone else would care to add their comments on this.

Packed like sardines in a football stadium *** ½
The scene is AFL Grand Final Day 1997 and the three dancers (Aisling Donovan, Brooke Leeder and Keira Mason-Hill) enact what is happening around town at the time of the match. We start in a pub, where even the table legs are dancing. Elsewhere a girl is preparing for her wedding, kids fight for the best seat on the settee to watch the match. The mundane maternal chores continue. This was fun filled 30-minute act, with adventurous choreography. The accompanying music was a mix of pop classics and wonderful live music from the string duet of Tristen Parr and Dan Russell.

The deconstruction (of my shoulder blade) ***
A young girl (Deborah Robertson) dances with a projected image of herself whilst trying to examine her feelings, and how they relate to each part of her body. The dance becomes almost tantric, as the music fades and the dancer continues in silence, for quite a period of the act.

Pomona Road (part 2) ****
The final act is in the seedy dock areas at night. It shows a variety of people, especially family members, going about their nightly routines. We see aspects of sibling rivalry. Well observed and skilfully performed by the two male dancers (Tim Rodgers and Joshua Mu). The interpretation fitted the music perfectly, with humour and pathos. I wasn’t too keen on the short bursts of, mainly unnecessary, dialogue. The perky music design by Katrina Lazaroff is fabulous.

As with any contemporary or jazz dancing, the interpretation of the scene and subsequent appreciation is in the eye of the beholder. The audience comprised a large number of dance students, who, whilst showing their appreciation did not appear excessively moved.

A great deal of talent. Enjoyable.