It’s a freezing Tuesday night, and instead of the warmth and comfort of The Australian Ballet studios or the State Theatre, we’re standing huddled together in Melbourne’s Guildford Lane, preparing to be part of web based video project Sideshow Alley TV. A bit of a guerrilla filming outfit, Dave, Ty and their merry group of video bandits have been setting up shop in assorted laneways around town, and shooting one-take footage of various musical acts, from established bands like Midlake to new kids on the block The Tiger and Me. So very Melbourne … and fittingly, so very, very cold.
The Australian Ballet corps de ballet member and budding choreographer Alice Topp has modified her acclaimed Bodytorque work, Trace, to take in the hazards of asphalt and gutters, cutting some of the lifts but none of the tension and meaning from the piece. Dancers Vivienne Wong and Calvin Hannaford walk through their paces, hands fluttering as they dance through the work in their minds. Squares of light illuminate the street from a nearby gallery, while glittering monolithic city buildings stand silently in the background.
Vivienne’s talented partner Tiago is our musician for the night and he hugs his guitar for warmth. There are no amps, no lights, no set-up: just five crew with video and still cameras waiting to capture the action. An old Nissan is parked nearby and its headlights are our DIY spots.
The dancers are ready, and frantically strip off their outer layers in the street, revealing flimsy flesh-coloured lycra. Vivienne’s knees are strapped with tape, skateboarder-style, to protect them from the rough surface below. The only sounds are Tiago’s melodic guitar and the soft scraping of ballet slippers; the rest of us are holding our breath. Every movement is gentle, insistent, full of longing. Calvin partners Vivienne with confidence, and the trust must be incredible as he holds her high, face towards the ground. Maybe it’s the unique and unusual setting, but there’s a kind of electricity in the air and we all know we’re witnessing something very special.
It lasts for five minutes but no-one wants it to an end. There’s a long pause before the whooping and clapping starts. One take was all it took.
This is such a wonderful intersection of choreography and cinematography. I have so much respect for filmmakers who understand the grammar of ballet and the way it needs to be filmed to show it off to the best advantage. Alice’s choreography is so touching, and the dancers are stunning both in the steps and, almost moreso, in their relationship and connection with each other, the music, and the alley way.
If it sounds like I’m gushing, it’s because I am. Thank you to everyone involved!
Damn, that is just fantastic.
wow… thank you all involved.. just stunning!!!!
The dancers are just incredible. So breathe taking and mesmerising with their sensuality. They carry the choreography with such grace and bravo to Alice Topp’s talent. The camera crew did a great job of capturing the moment!
This is unbelievably beautiful. The soft movements of intertwined bodies and fabrics, in an almost intimate light, to the sound of the acoustic guitar – in a dark alley near a skyscraper. Like a cocoon of intimacy in something as huge and anonymous as a big city. Not fighting or fretting, but just relishing, savouring the moment.
To everyone involved: thank you so much.
That was absolutely delicious. Such a deep, quiet celebration of flesh and space and tensile strength as well in the partnership between the dancers and in the gentle, perfect music.
I saw this one at the Sideshow Alley site – absolutely fantastic! The dancers does a great job, but the lightning, the setting, the feel – it’s just unique – so intimate! If I could ever see such scenery on stage… Brilliant!
I second Trick’s comment – damn! That is just fantastic!!!!!
Be still my fast-beating heart … this is exquisite.
Beautiful Choeography. Beautiful Music. Beautiful Dancers. In a word… Perfect.
So beautiful, and I was surprised to become so emotionally involved. The use of the costumes in the choreography was most intriguing.
That was unbelievably exquisite! Sooo sensual. I loved it!
Haunting music and sensual dance. Fantastic…!!!!
Wonderfully creative, the flow between all the elements, music, movement and costume contrasted with the harshness of the asphalt and city buildings just superbly.
The minimal lighting also assisted the mood and congrats. to the dancers for making the whole segment a sensual and fluid execution – not an easy task given the unusual surroundings Well done Alice Topp.
Thanks for that. My 9 year old daughter and I sat in ‘wonderment’ and believe me for my 9 year old daughter this is a great task in itself. What an unexpected surprise. Makes me revisit the beautiful feeling given through dance.
The Australian Ballet, yet again brilliant and exquisit!
Amazingly sensitive & very evocative. A perfect showcase for the talent on display. Thanks you so much a fantastic idea
Very beautiful – especially the lighting and the work with the costumes. Exquisite!
Congratulations to all concerned, dancers, guitarist and filmmakers. This is a wonderful synthesis of movement, light and sound. It is so moving. I cannot wait too see more of Vivienne and Calvin. They certainly look beautiful together
Mesmerizing. A beautiful and exciting concept – perfectly done.