Ceyda Tanc Dance performed KIZLAR in its first ever visit to Dance City. Founded in 2012, the company is led by Ceyda, a British-Turkish choreographer and movement director. Performed by a youthful all-female company, KIZLAR explores female strength and solidarity, blending contemporary dance with moves traditionally performed by men in a fast-paced dance work,
Opening on an empty stage, with white blocks upstage left, a lone dancer, clad in top and loose trousers, dances simple, driving movement. The other dancers join in a unison dance, using a strong, defiant and proud gaze. This ‘confrontation’ with the audience is sustained almost throughout and balanced with softer duets that evoke primarily, sorrow and sisterhood.
The blocks, supplied by Sand Interiors, are used to portray different things, from plinths to a home. At one point, the company gather on them as if for a photo, gently changing positions. Throughout, there are moments of handholding and warmth between them.
Structured in contrasting sections, the dancers change into dresses midway, with the addition of a solo by a top and briefs clad dancer, which felt slightly incongruous. Much of the dancing is unison and uses powerful arm motifs.
Choreographically and structurally simple, the music, both contemporary and Turkish by Asta Hiroki, is good, lighting is by Georgia Godfrey and costumes by Holly Murray, Karin Tanc, The Vampire’s Wife.
Dancers Gemma Shrubb, Chloe Mead, Freya Simpson, Gabriella Sanders, Colette Kite, Isobel Gosney, Marta Swierczynska, Hattie Musgrove perform with energy and commitment, and it would have been good to see even more choreographic development.
Ceyda Tanc is heading for Izmir International Festival, Turkey on 12 June with its work, AYNA.