MOVE FM: The Fresh Wave of Contemporary Dance Talent

MOVE FM is a vibrant showcase of contemporary dance presented by Future Makers, the emerging artist arm of Dance Makers Collective, as part of Sydney's Fringe Festival. This eclectic collection of short works, performed at Sydney Dance Company's Neilson Studio, demonstrates the raw talent and innovative spirit of Sydney's next generation of dancers and choreographers.

The show opens with UnderCurrent choreographed by Jaslyn Boughton. This piece effectively captures the essence of fluid movements, as the performers embody the ebb and flow of tides and the ocean's waves. The collaboration between Boughton and sound designer Georgia Sallybanks creates a further immersive experience, transporting the audience via dance to the shoreline before plunging them beneath the surface in an engaging underwater sequence.

Phaedra Brown's How to Watch People in Cafes then follows, a witty and observant take on cafe culture. Set to a nostalgic French soundtrack, the piece cleverly captures the subtle tensions and unspoken rituals of public spaces. The choreography excels in its portrayal of the physical negotiations required in crowded environments, with dancers eventually weaving through imaginary tables and patrons in a delightful display of controlled chaos.

A dramatic shift in tone comes with Ashleigh Veitch's solo performance, Longing. Bathed in intense green light, Veitch's body, entirely covered in fabric, alternates between fluid and robotic movements. This stark, minimalist piece set to Aphex Twin's #22 pushes some boundaries of contemporary dance, challenging the audience's perceptions of form, movement and anticipation.

The program culminates with Mairi Armour's ensemble piece, To Know Someone, Together. This work explores the complexities of human connection through non-verbal communication. Armour's choreography skillfully balances moments of individual expression with harmonious group sequences, effectively conveying the vulnerability and joy of forming relationships.

What remains profound throughout MOVE FM is the polish and potential of these emerging artists. Despite being amidst their early careers, the dancers exhibit remarkable technical skill and emotional depth in this performance. The choreography, while experimental at times, remains accessible, striking a balance between innovation and audience appeal.

MOVE FM not only showcases individual talents but also demonstrates the strength of collaborative creation. The synergy between choreographers, dancers, and technical designers is evident in each piece, reflecting the collective approach fostered by Future Makers.

As a platform for emerging talent, MOVE FM succeeds in presenting an invigorated perspective on contemporary dance. It offers a glimpse into the future of Sydney's dance scene, promising exciting developments as these artists continue to grow and push the boundaries of their craft.

While the experimental nature of some pieces might challenge traditionalists, the overall accessibility and technical proficiency of the performances makes MOVE FM a satisfying experience, with these emerging artists poised to make significant contributions to the field in their productions to come.

Credits (Fringe season):

Mover & Maker – Ashleigh Veitch
Mover & Maker – Phaedra Brown
Mover & Maker – Dani Ross
Mover & Maker – Kate Merrick
Mover & Maker – Sarah Rose Francis
Mover & Maker – Jaslyn Boughton
Mover & Maker – Grace White
Mover & Maker – Cosima Ivy
Mover & Maker – Ella Power
Mover & Maker – Frances Orlina
Mover & Maker – Jannah Allen
Mover & Maker – Mairi Armour
Mover & Maker – & (Ampersand)

26 Sept - 28 Sept, 7:00 PM to 7:50 PM - Dance Hub at Sydney Dance Company - Neilson Studio
Tickets and Info: https://sydneyfringe.com/events/move-fm/

Content warnings: Strobe Lighting, Haze, Sudden Loud Noises, Coarse Language.

(images: supplied)