Have you ever lost your thoughts to the sight of swathes of long grass blowing in union with the breeze or the sound of a pulsating rhythm on a dance floor?
Wayfinder, a contemporary dance performance, does just that by overwhelming your senses and captivating the audience with its unique fusion of the human body’s most intrinsic rhythm combined with beautifully crafted sights and sounds.
Inspired by the celebration of life, connection and heart-space, the show’s choreography is designed to ingeniously mimic the electromagnetic pulses of the heart – but each audience member will draw some parallel to an organism or life force that they find themselves thinking of. I saw each dancer as a cell or bacteria (in the best way) working together, my sister saw the movement of ocean waves crashing together.
Each score or segment of the performance demonstrates varied patterns of synchronisation – from the tightly choreographed sequences to the more improvised moments – but in every movement their bodies pulse and flow with the same rhythm and intent. This ensures that the theme of ‘life’ and energy is the overwhelmingly clear choreographic bedrock of the show.
Wayfinder. Photography by David Kelly.
The magic does not stop there. The creative team behind ‘Wayfinder’ has meticulously developed a musical score that is both unique and eclectic. From the hauntingly ethereal, to the heart-thumping electronic, to instrumental 1960s-esque jazz and modern pop – the true magnificence comes from the fact these varied genres all make complete sense with the consistent choreography.
As if it couldn’t be more compelling, the production incorporates over 65km (or more) of wool to create hand-knitted ‘threads’ in every colour imaginable. These threads are used liberally to create scenes of madness in some scores and used judiciously in others to create a minimalistic illustration of ‘connection’. A vibrant reminder of our shared joys, experiences and heartbeats.
Finally, the considerations for the audience experience are tangible and effective. ‘Orbs’ of lights and sound planted throughout the audience create a sea of lights, ebbing and flowing in the dark patch of the theatre that is the audience and which emanate their own unique tracks to create pockets of sounds throughout. Absolutely exceptional.
Wayfinder is more than just a dance performance. It’s a celebration of life that isn’t naff or cute – it’s a carefully crafted exploration of human connection and a jubilant expression of movement that transcends the physical. It reaches out and touches your heart.
Wayfinder is at Perth Festival from Thu 29 Feb – Sun 3 Mar.