one4review | On 24, Aug 2023

Beyond Boundaries is a vibrant triple-bill of new works by Scotland-based hip-hop dance artists. Across the three works, four performers will take you through the past, present and future to portray relationships and self struggles through exploration of culture, AI and our inner selves.

The first act, Asili by Dorine Mugisha takes you on her multicultural journey of self-discovery as she navigates and adapts to systems, people and places. You just can’t take your eyes off her as she performs the most incredible arm movements, creating shapes and poses above and around her head. She makes amazing use of the space around her in this highly energetic performance.

The second Act, Reflection by Nevil Jose and Ursula Manandhar that reflects on the internal conflict of an individual’s heart and mind, arising from their traditional culture and the unrestrained freedom they desire (they are originally from India and Nepal respectively). They move seamlessly from one dance style to another from traditional Nepalese dance, modern hip-hop and a contemporary dance where they mirror each other perfectly as they perform around the dance floor. They have you totally absorbed in their amazing storytelling.

The final act, Broken Circuit by Max Evans, brilliantly blends hip-hop and contemporary dance styles, delving into our connection with AI and questioning its capacity to fulfil our emotions. He delivers an extremely funny performance as he portrays a hot and steamy experience of his date with an Avatar that is programmed to do what he imagines his first date will be like. A stunning performance of this brilliant choreographed story.

This group of extremely talented dancers and choreographers provide an outstanding showcase of dance theatre. Definitely recommend you get a ticket to check them out.

*****

Reviewed by Lynn

Assembly@Dance Base

Until 27th 21:30 (1 hr)