A Midsummer banger in the Marina Market
“Night Dances” is old skool cool.
When walking through the Marina Market, oftentimes it can be hard to escape the thought that if this were a space in a city like Berlin, then it would most likely be converted into one great big sprawling nightclub. And instead of being served deep fat fried chicken in a bun, what would be on offer, might be far more revelatory.
For a brief hour, the Cork Midsummer Festival audience got a glimpse into what elements of this other world might look and sound like, as a section of the old industrial warehouse was completely transformed for an intense performance of Emma Martin’s Night Dances.
The show begins with a solo performance by Jonas Krämer, backed by an eerie and ominous sounding synthesized organ, perhaps signifying a death knell for dancing itself. However, as Krämer moves around the stage as if being pulled by a set of invisible strings, the way in which he twists and contorts his body is quite extraordinary. Yet in a way, he is only laying down the gauntlet to the other dancers to come take the floor and up the ante.
And this challenge is gleefully accepted by a high octane group of five young girls, who waste no time in delivering a breakneck routine that melds gymnastics with dance, and makes for invigorating, yet also peculiar viewing. This is because the music, created by Daniel Fox of Gilla Band, not known for their soft approach, is now almost relentlessly hard hitting and in your face, yet the girls seem utterly at ease and have a swagger about them that belies their age.
Ryan O’Neill takes center stage next, and while there is a brief respite in tempo as he opens himself up to the music; gradually a beautiful ode to self expression is revealed. And as he carries the performance to yet another level of ecstatic freedom, with more sporting references thrown in, he is met by some new arrivals under the spotlight.
This final segment sees three veiled women, Robyn Byrne, Jessie Thompson and Aoife McAtamney slowly making their way across the floor, shedding their Virgin Maryesque attire and taking the show to its crescendo in a glorious carnal display of sweat, dirt and grime.
This trio are particularly impressive and the variety of their facial expressions as the dance develops, showed performers capable of embodying the very essence of live performance and what it means to dance, be fully in the moment and feel alive.
However, the self contained world of Night Dances is not the dance floor of today, where the D.J. acts as a priest and revelers face in one direction as his congregation. This is the old school floor of individuality and communion and therefore has a sense of wistful nostalgia about it.
And while there is nothing beyond the world of the dancefloor shown in this performance (we do not get to see the aftermath when the lights inevitably come up and the dancers are forced to slink off into the night), this still does not detract from the show in the slightest. And it is rare indeed, to see a performance that understands the crossover between art and sport so well, but Night Dances pulls this off in spectacular fashion.
Not for the faint of heart however, especially because before entering the room, audience members were advised to avail of the ear plugs provided on each seat and any brave soul who chose not to, is probably regretting this decision. Night Dances is a show that celebrates a way of life which may be becoming much less popular, but to those who experienced it, formed a vital part of their lives.
All things must pass, but long live this show!
There are two more performances of Night Dances in the Marina Market today and tomorrow both at 8:30pm. For tickets see here