To start, I’m not a dancer. When I watch dance performances, I’m not sure when to clap because I don’t know which moves are the most difficult. They all look hard to me! And yet dancers have a unique ability to make nearly impossible movements look easy and effortless.
The dancers in “This Duet That We’re Already Done (so many times)”, however, created an opposite effect: they made everyday movements look difficult. The whole performance was a struggle of energy. The performance began with an awkward dynamic between the two dancers, Frédérick Gravel and Brianna Lombardo, who were separate on stage. The house lights stayed on for about 15 minutes so I tried my best to keep my face composed as an engaged audience member.
As the dancers came together, the energy changed to sensual and curious. They threw each other around the stage in a manner both flirtatious and cruel. At one point, they pulled at different parts of each other’s skin. These small movements made my own skin crawl while I shuddered in my seat, watching their skin stretch and snap back.
The energy turned dark, bordering on violent. By the end, I wasn’t sure if I felt peace or hopelessness when the performance ended with both dancers lying on the floor.
As the audience began to clap, I looked around to see if they would give the performance a standing ovation. Most shows in Vancouver receive standing ovations, especially on opening night. Only two people stood up while everyone else stayed seating, so I think most of the audience shared my mixed feelings.
As I gathered my things to leave, I heard an older woman say emphatically, “That was my life.” That’s another wonderful thing about dance. Each performance can speak so differently to different people. While this piece made my skin crawl, others saw truth and beauty.
This Duet That We’re Already Done (so many times) by Frédérick Gravel played at the Historic Theatre at the Cultch from November 27-December 1, 2018.
– Bethany Dobson