Dance show disappoints

NILE,  in association with the Compagnie 7273, and with the support of Pro Helvetia, at Transnet Great Hall.

WHAT a disappointment. It started with a horrible bass vibration that went on for 15 minutes, while the cast of five dancers twirled around a smoke-filled floor. One waited, hoping that it would improve – but it didn't.

The music developed to an Indian-type melody, which was pleasing. However, there was no development in the choreography for the dancers, as for 45 minutes they did the same thing ad nauseam. They showed no technical skill except the twirling of bodies and arms like a many-tentacled octopus.

Then it gradually moved into a type of Middle Eastern dance without the exotic. But there was actually almost no variation in the choreography.

The piece is supposed to capture the Nile River, which flows from mountains and lakes through desert to the sea.

This differing environment of mountain, lakes and desert could have been used to create an interesting mix. At the end, as we were leaving the theatre, I heard and saw an audience that was anything but happy.

The final performance is today at noon. – Ann Knight