Looking Sideways at Off Kilter

Off Kilter is a Hogmanay celebration of contemporary dance that takes an alternative look at Scottish identity.

Feature by Gareth K Vile | 01 Dec 2009

 

Morag Deyes MBE, artistic director of Dance Base, is one of the most restless agitators in the Scottish arts. Not content with an award winning programme of choreographers during the Fringe, she has lovingly curated Off Kilter, a Hogmanay celebration of short performances that provides a snapshot of contemporary dance and takes a typically sideways look at Scottish identity. With big names like Mark Morris working alongside local heroes like Tony Mills and Errol White, it sums up the state of the dancing nation in a series of pieces both serious and witty.

Kicking off with Deyes’ own subversion of traditional Highland dance, and taking in new work from Ashley Page, Scottish Ballet’s artistic director and Scottish Dance Theatre’s Janet Smith, Off Kilter is a collection of ten short works. Even if this is a role call of Scotland’s brightest, the themes covered make this far more than an exercise in balletomania: everything from aerial to football is considered.

Gemmill’s Goal, by Y-Dance main-man Andy Howitt, is something of a classic. Recreating the legendary goal in the 1978 World Cup against Holland - as seen in Trainspotting – Howitt has reworked the original solo for all four of the male Off Kilter company. By using Archie Gemmill’s skills as the basis for the choreography, Howitt took dance outside of its usual influences, emphasising masculine power and elegance. Both a tribute to a national hero and a witty comment on the stereotypes of dancers and sportsmen, this new version takes the original concept into new territory.

On another extreme, Ashley Page was inspired by his children’s enthusiasm for Ivor Cutler. This new piece uses Cutler’s Ludo album as a template for the choreography and showcases a very different Scottish icon. Cutler was soft-spoken, drily witty and poetic, transforming dour “Scotch Sitting Rooms” into magical places of discovery and sardonic surrealism. Produced by George Martin of Beatles fame, Ludo is a rare Cutler album, marrying his usual bizarre lyricism with traditional jazz boogie.

Elsewhere, Ihayami reveal Scotland’s multi-culturalism through classical Indian dance set to traditional Scottish music, and Errol White teams with Jen Patterson to create a combined aerial and grounded trio; old fashioned tartan kitsch is fondly remembered in Steinvor Palsson’s Scots Wi Hay. Hip-hop crew Freshmess have invited Frank McConnell to fuse street moves and highland styles, while the finale brings together the whole company for a contemporary dance anthem under the influence of DJ Dolphinboy’s mixing.

Mark Morris is the one choreographer who is not currently working within Scotland: he is one of America’s most popular contemporary artists. Using Beethoven’s settings of Burns' poetry, his presence not only testifies to Dance Base’s international status, but it affirms Morris’ love of Caledonian style.

Off Kilter is a riotous assembly of the great talent inspired by, and living in Scotland,” explains Deyes. “This great show reflects the energy and originality in music and dance which is experiencing a genuine renaissance right now.” Since the finale includes community performers alongside the ensemble cast, Off Kilter never forgets that dance isn’t just about professionalism: it is fun for all.

 

29 Dec – 2 Jan, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, £14.50 - £25.00 (+ booking fee).

http://www.eft.co.uk