Pattern Recognition at DanceEast - a review

Going into this show I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Not being from a dance background or ever having been to a dance show I was unsure how the experience would leave me feeling. It turns out I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Alexander Whitley’s complex yet perfectly executed choreography, paired with the unforgettable lighting and visual design from Memo Akten accompanied by the unbelievable talent and skill displayed by both Alexander Whitley and Natalie Allen made this show one to remember.

Described by Whitley as “a fragmented world of recollection” the performance allows you to be immersed in a dream-like world and follow two characters on a journey of changing thoughts and feelings towards each other and the space around them. The third character of course being the special motion sensor lights, whom even took a bow at the end of the performance. The choreography was unbelievable – both dancers were clearly highly trained and the on stage chemistry between the two gave every movement meaning. Being able to communicate a story with no words is no easy feat but was simply and seamlessly achieved by both dancers involved. Grace and precision pervaded the entire routine with the fluidity of the movement and lyrical beauty.

The lighting design was such an innovative and fresh approach to the way the dancers were able to react and interact with their surroundings and was the crowning glory of this performance. A moment that stood out for me particularly was a solo performed by Natalie Allen in which the beams of light mirrored her movements but also took on a life of their own and turned it almost into a dance duet. Watching the lights interact with the dancer’s movements and create entire worlds on stage was completely new and interesting and something I feel should be explored even more in the world of dance.

Review by Rhiannon Culley, student at One Sixth Form. For an up to date guide to what’s on at DanceEast and other events in and around Ipswich visit our events page.