An interesting combination of two dancing companies with completely different themes and styles. Hammerstep is all about the masculine representation of rhythm and physicality. Dallas Black Dance Theatre delivers a beautiful tribute to Jazz singer/ songwriter/ human rights activist Nina Simone: just when the shooting of the biopic on the legendary musician is about to kick off, this performance is perfectly timed. We are all brought back to the 1960s, taken by the narrative, video footage and the theatrical choreography, and the last scene is incredibly moving: all the dancers are dressed in white dancing in circles, the lighting casts a purple-ish dreamy effect on everything on the stage, it’s like a revival of an ancient ritual. When the movement and music cease, Nina Simone’s photo appears in the background like a goddess. This is breathtaking.

Venue 150 @ EICC, 18-19 Aug, 4.15pm
tw rating 4/5 | [Ting Guo]