Matthew Rawcliffe the grand finalist in the BBC Young Dancer 2019 competition brings his specially commissioned dance piece to the MDI Leap Dance Festival.
The Sun Rose is a duet between two female dancers (Zara Sands and Yemurai Zvaraya) that reflects the concept of love, intimacy and queer culture. Performed at the iconic Hope Street suitcases, The Sun Rose is a dynamic and powerful statement that embraces the concept of a world that is always changing especially in the sense of our relationships and interactions with others.
Rawcliffe’s vision is both bold and thoughtful and Sands & Zvaraya exude great strength, sensitivity and extraordinary ability throughout. Sands, in particular is a most accomplished dancer, creating both shape and depth in her extraordinary performance.
There is clever use of a beautiful Roberta Flack soundtrack that blends so well with the complex but satisfying choreography. This short piece is a tantalising mix of music, dance, song and words. Pure theatre in every sense of the word. On a bracing autumn evening this young company bring a warm and cohesive performance to the suitcases on Hope Street. Rawcliffe is definitely an artist to watch out for.
The Sun Rose premieres at LEAP Dance Festival at Hope Street Suitcases and will be performed at Resolution Festival at The Place, London on 9th January 2020.
Reviewer: Kiefer Wes Williams
Reviewed: 11th October 2019
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★
