Dance review: Made at Sadler’s Wells, Edinburgh

It’s not easy to fill a stage with a solo. Especially not one as large as the Festival Theatre. But when dancer Thomasin Gülgeç stood surrounded by light, twirling like a leaf caught in the breeze, he commanded the entire space.

Made at Sadler's Wells: Contemporary dance fuelled by collaboration and inspired by greatness

Made at Sadler’s Wells - Edinburgh Festival Theatre

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To be fair, he wasn’t entirely alone. Russell Maliphant’s choreography enveloped him, and Michael Hulls’ lighting design was the perfect partner – complementing without stealing the show. One of three works on the bill, Maliphant’s Afterlight was inspired by Nijinsky. A beautiful opener, it also set out the agenda for the night – contemporary dance fuelled by collaboration and inspired by greatness.

Then came Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, whose duet, Faun, also looked to Nijinsky for motivation, taking his L’Après midi d’un faune and giving it a more playful tone.

Wayne McGregor’s UNDANCE ended the night in a completely different direction, with his angular moves matched by Mark-Anthony Turnage’s exuberant music. Less emotive than the others, maybe, but big and bold in its execution.