Dance review: Michael Clark: New Work

With two world premieres in Scotland in less than a month, Michael Clark appears to be coming back to his roots.

Michael Clark: New Work

Star rating: * * * *

The Aberdeen-born choreographer has been such an integral part of the London dance scene for the past 30 years, it’s easy to forget he’s “ours”.

September’s Barrowland Project, and his three nights at Tramway were wonderful reminders of just how exciting, innovative and entertaining Clark’s movement can be. Not only that, but how astute he is at recruiting and developing the dance talent within his ranks.

Each of the eight performers in his company has an individuality that adds an extra layer to Clark’s work. They’re all, however, insanely flexible, contorting their bodies into the increasingly complex body patterns Clark dreams up for them. At times, it’s like watching an elaborate, uber-advanced Pilates class, but to a soundtrack that has the pulse racing. If there is a downside to this production, it’s that those lucky enough to see Clark’s Barrowland’s show, had already enjoyed a good chunk of the material. But then it would be criminal for such mathematically precise, almost gymnastic choreography to have such a short shelf life, so fair play to him.

This work will be brand new for audiences elsewhere on the company’s tour, so to ensure Glasgow didn’t feel short-changed, we were treated to something rather special – live music by Scritti Politti with Green Gartside, a man whose vocals are as unique as Clark’s choreography.