MOVE is a dynamic show from Wild Biscuit Productions that presents a blend of traditional and modern cultures; fusing highland pipes & drums with urban beats, and contemporary & hip hop dance. The energetic company comprises of Random Aspekts dance crew with the Wild Biscuit Pipers & Drummers and Plockton vocalist Kim Carnie; giving some of Argyll’s promising young musicians an opportunity to broaden their skills, their experience and their horizons. Backed by a band that includes Travis drummer Neil Primrose and the ubiquitous soprano sax, whistles and pipes of Fraser Fifield, the entire company offer a crowd pleasing and unique performance.
The street dance of Random Aspekts takes centre stage of course, with Tony Mills leading the crew of four (Bilal Oussellam, Ashley Jack, Matt Foster) in his relaxed, humourous and engaging choreography. But Random Aspekts have no intention of hogging the dance floor; the classic street dance moves are supplemented by elegantly choreographed drummers from the pipe band. Synchronized stick twirling and gentle representations of military square bashing are performed by the drummers, who clearly relish the chance to take their own particular traditions that bit further, and have them represented in the dance in addition to the music. Musically, the show is a mixture of traditional jigs, reels and hornpipes alongside several tunes composed especially for the show by cast members Chris Coates, David Provan, Sally Hall, Thomas McCulloch and Ewan McCulloch.
Everything from slow marches to frenzied reels are a thrilling musical backdrop to the dance. Duelling pipes, cool jazz and even a break neck speed delivery of P Stands For Paddy by Kim Carnie, come together with the dance in a performance where the enthusiasm of each and every member of the stage-filling company is tangible – and infectious.
MOVE
Celtic Connections, Sunday 22nd January
O2 ABC, Glasgow