Description
Off to a flying start: From its sudden opening, this choreography proves as overpowering as a great piece of cinema. Driven by the pure rapture of movement and, as always, Hofesh Shechter's own unmistakable sound, the dancers quickly surrender themselves to an almost hypnotic flow – and so does the audience. What unfolds in the course of the next hour is conveyed in the title of the piece: contemporary dance in its purest form and 2.0, on the next level.
Contemporary Dance 2.0 was originally developed for the Swedish GöteborgsOperans Danskompani. Shechter subsequently adapted the piece for his own young talent company Shechter II, although „young talent“ definitely sounds like an understatement for a choreography that demands such a level of excellence, precision and sheer stamina from the dancers. Unless you understand „young talent“ quite differently. Because this piece is made for young people to fall in love with dance! That's why it was also right at the top of Eric Gauthier's wish list for the 2023 summer premiere.
The electronic soundtrack and the shifting groups of dancers, which are constantly reforming as if in a kaleidoscope, are more reminiscent of a rave than a stage piece. Shechter's stamp is all over the production, though. Contemporary Dance 2.0 not only cleverly quotes movements from other works by the choreographer. Above all, the intensity and immersive effect of this danced tour de force are typical of Shechter. Nevertheless, Contemporary Dance 2.0 remains singular within his œuvre. The usual socio-political subtext is a lot less prominent, and the gloom of some of his scenarios is also missing. Instead, this time Shechter has created an essence of the most precious kind: dance and nothing but dance.
