Polarity &Proximity At The Birmingham Hippodrome
Polarity & Proximity is the latest mixed programme by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, a set of three short ballets linked by the theme, showing how relationships can bring us together, but how the same things can also drive us apart. The programme opened last night at the Birmingham Hippodrome and was a powerful exploration of feelings and desires performed by a stunning ensemble.
Kin
Alexander Whitley’s Kin is the most abstract of the three pieces, with no real story line, it is instead a story of kin in two senses – that of family, and also of movement – being Kinetic. Against a moody backdrop almost shrouded in mist, Kin is a beautiful exploration of movement with a stunning central performance by Jenna Roberts and Tyrone Singleton.
Kin has movements that echo emotion and conflict, and with the modern costumes and stark backdrop it is a piece that has real power.
Embrace
For me, Embrace is the most powerful piece of the three, an exploration of love and being true to oneself when it comes to sexuality. It is a personal piece from choreographer George Williamson telling of his own story as a gay man, but also featuring an attempt to try life in an heterosexual relationship.
The characters are not named, there is He (Brandon Lawrence) She (Delia Matthews) and Him (Max Maslen) forming a menage a trois. The relationships are cleverly portrayed, with the love between Lawrence and Matthews feeling pure and tender, whilst that between Lawrence and Maslen feeling more passionate, but also brutal – almost being fought against. The angst of feeling different from the crowd is effectively highlighted by set pieces where ‘He’ is shown to be in the centre of the crowd but feeling alone.
Brilliantly staged, making stunning use of light and silhouettes, Embrace is a beautiful ballet that is full of feeling and emotion.
In the Upper Room
In the Upper Room is just a fantastic, frenetic, exhilarating piece that delights. This fast paced, athletic ballet by American dance phenomenon Twyla Tharp is possible the only ballet that you will see combine traditional points with sneakers, and with stunning costumes by Norma Kamali it feels ultra modern – almost a ballet for those who don’t actually like ballet.
Another ballet that is more about feelings rather than stories, In the Upper Room almost feels like freestyle as it contrasts the style of those in the shoes to those in the sneakers, and with the wonderful Philip Glass score just perfect for all the acts, this is a ballet that can only make you smile, and almost want to join in.
Polarity & Proximity
An exhilarating triple bill.
Thu 21 – Sat 23 Jun
Click for ticket information
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13 Comments
Tara Pittman (@momknowsbest15)
This would be a ballet that I would enjoy. I just love the grace that these guys have.
annerbananer1
I have never been to the ballet but it’s on my bucket list for sure! The last one would be so cool to see since it’s less traditional.
Fely
Sounds great. My little one is taking dance and she loves watching others dance. I’m sure she would enjoy this. The grace they have is lovely to see.
Blogger Tribe (@bloggertribe)
Beautiful photos! The grace that is depicted is amazing
Kiwi
Looks like a lovely modern day performance. I would love to sit and watch this!
existingasrachel
This looks like something I would love to see. Dance is an amazing sport.
Jessica Taylor
Seems like something I would enjoy! Sometimes I feel like ballet can be repetitive, but I love how unique these performances seem to be!
Suja aka Sindhuja Kumar
I would totally love to watch this performance. Looks simply stunning.
Marissa Zurfluh
That looks like it was a wonderful show! I would love to see this one!
Tara
What an interesting drama, ballet takes so much talent and strength.
Heather
My kids have been dancing competitively for years. They would love to see a show like this.
toastycritic
It does look very beautiful. Not sure how I would deal with the ballet with no structure. I am curious as to how it would all look.
onceuponadollhouse
This ballet sounds wonderful! What a fun date idea.