Complete Dance Crew at Dance Base, Edinburgh
August 18, 2016
Róisín O’Brien
Complete Dance Crew describe their dance show, Lost in Complete, as expressing the soul of the street with a ‘contemporary feel’. To add this flourish of description almost does an injustice to the street dance, however. On one hand, the company are indeed doing something interesting with street dance that could feasibly be described as contemporary; on the other hand, this is a strong, confident street dance piece, which happily stands on its two feet (or hands).
Street dance’s relationship with its music, be it hip-hop or house, provides a lot of its joy. Not only do dancers express the beat of the music, the style of the music provides inspiration for the moves, varying from short, popping actions, to slowed down, press-rewind sequences. Street dancers, to me, often seem to depart from their human ways and become mechanised, electronic beings, reflective of their 21st century, urban environment. The dancers in Complete Dance Crew have this range in abundance, and easily move through different tracks and moods.
The conceit of the piece is a ‘game’ that the dancers interact with or respond to. A voice commands them to try again, do it better, while at other times they take a water break and selfies with the audience. It’s a slightly underdeveloped idea and it loses pacing at points.
The energy is infectious, however. Street dance, in its history and general practice, is more participatory than classical dance and I found myself fidgeting in my seat, wishing I could get up and join in. This slight uncertainty in viewing expectations was mirrored in the applause, which began hesitantly as the dancers started bowing while the music continued to play.
While street dance is in its comfort zone back out on the streets, or at interactive competitions, I nonetheless enjoyed seeing it in a different setting. The vibe of Lost in Complete is more chilled and toned down than a competitive street dance battle. This allows time for the movement to be showcased and appreciated, and I’m excited to see how this avenue could develop, and how else street dance can evolve within new environments. This is an enjoyable show that shows potential for real exploration in what else street dance can say.
Lost in Complete is at Dance Base to August 21.