Review: 12 Degrees North Dance Company at Blackpool Grand Theatre - 7th November 2012

The evening, one of a series organised by The Grand Theatre and featuring Contemporary Dance, started with a special curtainraiser performance by students from Cardinal Newman College's Dance Academy. The piece was called "Oscillate" and was choreographed by Lindsey Brocklebank to music by Photek and Kasabian.   We have to say this dance was so good - reminded us of the film "Metropolis" - that we really thought the dancers were members of the 12 Degrees North Company and that this piece was part of their programme!

"Oscillate" definitely set the scene for the main Triple Bill performance by the very talented dancers of the 12 Degrees North Dance Company, who also demonstrated their versatility and entertained us by playing musical instruments during two of the dances.  12 Degrees North is a new, innovative pilot programme which supports the transition from training to professional practice for graduates of dance and the performing arts.   A really brilliant initiative - supported by the Arts Council England and National Portfolio Funding.

On the menu were - "Article 1" -  a new dance piece choreographed by Alesandra Seutin, fusing African traditional dance with contemporary dance.

"Ripe for the Picking" - Antonia Grove created an ingenious suite of dances for five dancers which involved the audience choosing the order of dances presented by picking the names out of a hat brought round by one of the dancers.   Each of the dances in this section not only showed off the outstanding talents of the dancers but also delighted the audience with its cheeky variety, including a compere, plenty of playful interaction with the audience and the aforementioned musical interlude.

`'Bitter Suite`' - a fast paced portrayal of the complexity of human relationships with exciting dancing and special effects, created by Gary Clarke.

All in all a delightful and very varied evening's entertainment.  As always thanks to all the wonderful staff at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool and especially those behind the scenes, as well as to the Cardinal Newman College Dance Academy and 12Degrees North.

To find out more visit: http://www.12degreesnorth.org.uk/

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The Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HT Tel.:  01253 290111