Like all of us during the sudden lockdown this year, the dancers of Queensland Ballet Company were sent home and into isolation.
Needing to keep them motivated and focused on dance, Artistic Director, Li Cunxin tasked them to choreograph a short piece. The theme given was Love. The result was 60 Dancers: 60 Stories.
Viewed online, the poignancy was painful. Power and beauty confined. Abilities and athleticism condensed by spatial limitations of living quarters.
In corridors and on balconies, they created their works: solo, pas de deux or small group of housemates. It was sad, lovely and at times, funny.
On stage, I particularly enjoyed the segments involving Patricio Reve including Dance of the Cygnets as never seen before. It brought back much needed laughter to our lives as audience members.
Whilst I preferred what I viewed online in the actual context of lock down, it is wonderful that it could become a live performance. A reunion to bring conclusion and closure to a wretched year.
The 2020 60th Anniversary season which was so suddenly swept aside by the global situation – will bring new beginnings when presented in 2021.
60 Dancers: 60 Stories
Playhouse – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, Southbank (Brisbane)
Performance: Wednesday 9 December 2020 – 7.00pm
Season closed
Information and Bookings: www.queenslandballet.com.au
Image: Artists of the Queensland Ballet – photo by David Kelly
Review: Michele-Rose Boylan