The stage is dark. A hooded figure appears, then another, then another and another… As the music builds the figures slowly start to move and then… CHAOS!
Lights flash, bodies jerk and shouts can be heard from the dancers who throw themselves around and at the stage with reckless abandon before flawlessly coming together with impeccable timing to charge at the audience screaming with rage.
This is Barrowland Ballet’s latest production ‘Whiteout’, a contemporary dance theatre piece examining bi-racial relationships by dancer, acclaimed choreographer and artistic director for Barrowland Ballet Natasha Gilmore. Her previous work includes Glasgow Girls.
The piece uses both live performers and digital projections featuring the performers and Gilmore’s two adorable children. It’s all beautifully accompanied with music from Luke Sutherland.
While at first the piece may appear almost alarming in its ferocity it also has its calmer moments. A solo dance and song from the very talented Nandi Bhebe which then mixes into a beautiful duet with the unfortunately injured but gifted Jade Adamson is a touching and gentle break from the high energy and impact moves before it.
Whiteout also manages to be funny while dealing with such a sensitive issue. A dance club/ karaoke scene was my firm favourite with the dancers doing a mix of everything from Michael Jackson to Brittany Spears resulting in comedy gold.
Whiteout really has everything a dance theatre piece could hope to offer. It’ll make you laugh, cry and hopefully make you think.
Whiteout has now finished. Find out more about Barrowland Ballet: barrowlandballet.co.uk
