Russian dancers

Press, 23 July 1987, Page 6

Russian dancers

Russian Dance Company of Moscow, Christchurch Town Hall, July 22 to 25. Running time: Two hours. Reviewed by Ele Stephenson. Cheers for Michael Edgley and the wonderful Russian Dance Company of Moscow for their brilliant kaleidoscope of colour, precision, and allround exciting entertainment.

What better timing to contrast with our cold, drab winter than the warmth and vitality of this entrancing spectacular of movement, joy and exhilaration.

How can one single out individual performances when the whole presenta-

tion is overwhelming? One is filled with admiration for the degree of excellence each member must attain to be part of this magnficent group of dancers. Boris Sankin has choreographed a repertoire to present traditional folk dances from many countries which sparkle with original variations. Modern rhythms and the dynamic strengths of the male dancers’ amazing skills in their gravitydefying leaps drew spontaneous and well deserved applause. Charming cameos of comedy subtly interspersed with dance delighted the audience, and

effective lighting provided interesting shadow play in several presentations. For me a highlight was the Spanish ensemble performing with accomplished vitality without the aid of music, but relying on rhythmic hand clapping and heel beats.

The performance moved through the “Punk Scene,” ‘Retro,” "The World of Karate” and fast and furious “Sports Dances” to a beautiful finale, which brought us back full circle to the vivid and radiant traditional dancers.

It was a truly fitting conclusion to a magnificent programme of dance.