Despite their big reputation and long history in dance, this was the first time I had actually been to see a BalletBoyz performance. I have seen plenty of film clips, but felt some regret not having seen Michael Nunn and William Trevitt (now artistic directors of this all-male troupe) live in the company’s first incarnation as a duo, because really, they are the BalletBoyz. Their charm and wit is just as much a part of their performance and success as their dance moves. Still, I had high hopes for theTALENT, co-founded by the Boyz in 2010, and I wasn’t disappointed. Two pieces were performed by the nine-strong troupe in Nottingham. Neither was created by Nunn or Trevitt, but by choreographers especially chosen by them to add to their company’s repertoire.
Alexander Whitley, a choreographer completely new to the company, made the first piece of the evening – The Murmuring. As a dancer, Whitley performed with several of the big classical ballet and contemporary dance companies. More recently, as a choreographer he has created works for the Royal Opera House, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Rambert Dance, among others.
A short film comes first, revealing through sound bites how some of the dancers feel about being part of an all-male company. “Strength” is mentioned, as well as the freedom to be in the spotlight without feeling your role is purely about “making the woman look pretty.” Some may feel slight offence at this, but it’s clearly not meant to provoke. It’s also much harder to argue after you’ve seen their performance.
Inspired by nature (the murmurations of birds), it is dark, brooding and brimming with power and strength. It’s beautiful too. Often on stage all together, this company has an electric unity. They fold and unfold from the collective choreography as though a magnet is running through their centre.
Silent, black and white film is used intermittently throughout the piece and the music is by Raime – an electronic duo who have found success in the underground club scene.
Following a twenty minute interval, Mesmerics is also preceded by a film. I enjoyed these short snippets – insights into rehearsals and creative processes the audience doesn’t often get to see.
Christopher Wheeldon created this piece on Nunn and Trevitt in 2003 and the number of dancers has grown each time it has been revisited. An old friend and colleague from their time at The Royal Ballet, Wheeldon is a greatly respected choreographer who began his career as a dancer with New York City Ballet.
Nunn describes the piece as it is – a series of short abstract dances that conjure an atmosphere. Sometimes they might suggest a relationship, but he urges the audience to sit back and enjoy rather than try to find a meaning.
There’s a huge contrast between this piece and the last, which allows the dancers to show off the full range of their TALENT. This is traditional contemporary ballet – pirouettes, precise footwork and long extensions that emphasise their physique.
As winners of a National Dance Award for Best Independent Company and with Nunn and Trevitt recently made OBEs for services to dance, it’s safe to say we should have plenty more opportunities to see theTALENT. I would suggest you all buy tickets when they visit us again.
BalletBoyz – theTALENT 2015 performed at Nottingham Playhouse on Thursday 14 May 2015.
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