Internationally renowned contemporary dance company Nederlands Dans Theater wowed on the National Arts Centre stage in Ottawa last night. The show included a triple bill of cutting-edge performances that explored the relationships between communities, narrativity, the land, and each other.
All three pieces attempted a deconstruction of the medium, and question traditional narratives through movement and human connection. Ultimately, they expand upon the many contrasts that affect the art form, from shadow to light, strength to fragility, and individuality to the collective.
The first performance, titled The Point Being, was a collaboration between choreographers Imre and Marne van Opstal’s many talents across disciplines. Connections to design and fashion were ever-present in this piece, and explored how the body is both strong and delicate. The lean lines of each dancer were exacerbated by the skeletal-like costumes, complimenting the flow of movement that was both rigid and fluid.
Nederlands Dans Theater, The Point Being. Photo by Rahi Rezvani.
The next performance was a commentary on British explorer Robert Falcon Scott’s expedition to the South Pole in the early 20th century — however, the narrative element is completely stripped down to the structure of various steel tables and the hollow sounds throughout, which are reminiscent of cold harsh waves hitting the side of a ship’s hull. Titled One Flat Thing, reproduced, the colourful costumes contrasted with the often sporadic and choppy movements of dancers trying to navigate the obstacles presented by the unmoving steel tables and harsh bright lighting.
Nederlands Dans Theater, One Flat Thing, reproduced. Photo by Rahi Rezvani.
The last piece, titled Jackie, saw a completely stripped-down performance of dynamic rigidity and soft lines. Dancers in tight, sheer clothing are almost bare, as movements are contrasted between the intense shadows created by the lighting. Looking almost halted, there is a conversation between dancers as a part of a larger crowd and the individuals who break out every now and again. Like a mirror image in which your movements don’t always reflect reality, there is a contrast between collective motion and the sometimes distorted representation of the individual.
Nederlands Dans Theater, Jackie. Photo by Rahi Rezvani.
Nederlands Dans Theater completely suspended disbelief and immersed the audience into an artistic experience connected by contrast.
Nederlands Dans Theater will have their final performance at the NAC on March 28. For information about the show and last-minute tickets, check out their website. To learn more about what’s up next for dance performances at the NAC, visit nac-cna.ca.
The NAC’s main accessible entrance is on Elgin Street. The Canal Lobby entrance and Parking 2 and 3 vestibules are also accessible. Seating for wheelchair users, the visually impaired and their companions is available in every performance venue. All NAC public spaces, event spaces, and washrooms are wheelchair accessible. Universal and companion care washrooms are located on the Orchestra level of Southam Hall.
