Acosta Danza - Cuban Baroque

The beautiful double-bill dancing awed the crowd at opening night on the 20th of October. It blends classical, contemporary and traditional styles of Cuban dancing. It was a breath-taking sight with nearly a full house.

The 17th century inspired dance started with a dark stage and a few dancers, already capturing an audience. The first act consisted of three main dances, the first being more contemporary based. The music was impactful and each note synced with a dance movement. The fluidity of the group was felt all around the stage, their impeccable timing stunning each audience member. There were no lyrics or words, but each dance told a story of fear, fight and strength. The dancers strength and athleticism were on another level of magnificence. You could really feel how much training and dedication went into the performance, their confidence infectious on stage.

The Baroque was choreographed by Andonis Foniadakis and named 'Pearls' because the word baroque comes from the Portuguese word barroca which means 'misshapen pearl'. It is a physically demanding and frantic type of dancing, full of power and yet a layer of vulnerability and think is fitting of the name 'Pearls'. Lighting was crucial to each performance, helping illuminate or shadow certain dancers. It helped emphasize the dancers movements along with the notes of each instrumental song. Certain movements involved slapping their bodies, such a small detail but such a powerful one. The in-sync clap underscored their ability to be one, and added another layer of depth to the music. Each duet was full of connection and love, which hit the audience with such an intensity we were all left gasping. Their on-stage compatibility made the dance so seamless, a beautiful display of what the human body can do.

"It was so thrilling and energising to watch", said a couple who was interested in watching traditional dancing, wanting to try something new.

The music was composed by Julien Tarride which is based on the Baroque hymn 'Salve Regina' which translates to 'Hail, Holy Queen'. It is a Latin hymn which ties in perfectly with the Cuban dance style, bringing depth and culture to an audience. The second dance of the first act was by far a crowd favourite, cheering roaring throughout the theatre. The lights and fog made such an impact on the stage, adding another sensory element to the play. the music gradually changed from classical to something with harder beats. Drums became a focal point, loud and intense, to which the dance became something more dangerous and disturbing. All dancers became one, formation was incredible and the sequencing of each move was so impressive. The whole layering of lights, drums, and choreography added such a frenzied energy to the crowd, it was something I had never seen before.

Oliver, a first time theatre attendee said their "athleticism was so impressive, and I (he) was thoroughly impressed".

The costumes for the first act were deep purple, rich but simple and worked with every dance they did. The second act included black bodysuits, perhaps to sync with the darker vibe of the show. The second act showed live musicians: a pianist, a violinist, and a guitarist. They each got to solo while the dancers performed and incredible routine. For me, the second act felt far more raw and emotional, perhaps because of the live musicians. The lighting was kept dark, all dancers on stage and duets were performed. It told a much more intense story, one open to interpretation. It was not segregated to dancers and musicians, but the dancers following the violinist, being beside her and following the rhythm she produced. They incorporated both dancer and musician which was wonderful to see and only made such a performance that much more intimate.

The guitarist's solo was the last one of the night was I believe was the most beautiful. It was such a moving performance, the dancers gliding on stage as if they weren't real and the melody was so soft, unlike the rest of the performance. It was incredible to watch. Such art was so moving to see, it was a reminder of how important culture and theatre is to people.