Review: Making Moves National Platform, Sadler’s Wells East

Opening in February this year, Sadler’s Wells East is a truly beautiful building, and on a balmy evening it was a joy to sip a glass of wine (albeit a very pricey one) and admire the development of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where the legacy of 2012 feels tangible.

On arrival at the venue, we’re faced with a chalkboard that says “What does dance mean to you?” and comments include “Vibezzzz”, “An emotional release” and “A rush of adrenaline and freedom mixed together”. For me, watching dance at venues like Sadler’s Wells can feel intimidating and bewildering, but every now and then, so startlingly powerful that I’m covered in goosebumps. I’m not a trained dancer, but I find myself drawn to performances at Sadler’s Wells in the hope I’ll get this sensation again.

The goosebumps weren’t in short supply at this Making Moves National Platform showcase, as eight groups of young people, selected from 42 across the country, shared their choreography and power with us. The wider Making Moves project gave all the groups a “digital choreographic toolkit” created by four exciting choreographers: Jules Cunningham, Ben Duke, Seeta Patel and Kloé Dean. Regional performances took place ahead of this final night at Sadler’s Wells East. 

The show begins with a video, highlighting the project at play across the country. Young people express what it means to them, that all their worries disappear when they’re focused on the choreography. We also hear from teachers and group leaders who embraced the chance to work with such renowned choreographers, and who changed the way they work with the young people as a result. It gets us excited for what’s to come.

All eight performances were incredible; the calibre of choreography and performance is genuinely impressive. There are only subtle suggestions that you’re not watching professionals, perhaps a little hesitation in a lift or a check behind them when getting into position. Or not being aware that we can see you in the wings! Having said all that, the performances themselves were pretty flawless. 

As seems to be the case with much contemporary dance, the performances are intense and dark. ORB Youth Dance Co. give a particularly unnerving show, but with such power that the enraptured audience barely flinches. Other standout performances include TINeke who perform City in Flight. Their group is made up of seven performers, with three who identify as disabled, and it’s the way they all work together that makes this so memorable. The disabled performers are given space to shine, with support from their fellow dancers that is subtle and, as a result, gives them all power on stage. It’s how art should be, genuinely inclusive and celebrating all of us. 

Aarohi – Pagrav Dance Youth Company give the boldest show of the night, with their performance entitled Lathos. They combine classical Indian dance with the contemporary choreography encouraged through this project to tell the story of Medusa. It’s a brave performance, with moments of silence, gentle singing from the dancers and artistically powerful choreography.

The final performance of the showcase comes from Project Female. The Self Esteem song ‘I Do And I Don’t Care’ includes the repetitive refrain “If I’m so empowered, why am I such a coward?” and this lyric came to mind as I watched this incredible troupe of young women from Brighton. They are empowered, but they appear to be anything but cowards. It was truly incredible to watch their slick and intense performance.

It feels like a cliché to wax lyrical about how impressive these young people are, that the future of dance is in safe hands. So I’ll just say, the goosebumps were back. 

Director of Learning & Engagement: Jose Giles
Projects Producer, Learning & Engagement: Katie Vernon-Smith (Maternity Cover) and Elaine Foley (Maternity Leave)
Senior Projects Officer, Learning & Engagement: Brittany Roberts
Producer Learning & Engagement: Christopher Haddow
Choreographers: Jules Cunningham, Kloé Dean, Ben Duke and Seeta Patel

Making Moves National Platform has concluded its run at Sadler’s Wells East.
Sadler’s Wells YFX Festival continues until July 27th