one4review | On 06, Aug 2025

This is a vibrant double bill at Dance Base that sees the coming together of different generations performing in this intriguing hour of speed, symmetry and reflection. We open with Lothian Youth Dance Company (LYDC), Dance Base’s in-house company for young dancers; they’ve been brought together to train, create and perform together. LYDC is a group of 14-21-year-old contemporary dancers, and their first piece is a fast-paced and physically expressive one showcasing work from Marc Brew and Disconnect by Abby Warrilow.

Following this is PRIME, a company of dancers over 60 presenting a short and quite funny piece that celebrates their 10th anniversary with specially commissioned work by Tony Mills, Robbie Synge, and Steinvor Palsson. It offers a look into the group, their history and evolution, who they are and how powerful the company is for its members, reflecting age and identity through dance. Although LYDC and PRIME are together, this isn’t a dialogue between generations; each piece stands alone, and while the younger dancers bring explosive energy and technical choreography, you can’t help but find the PRIME piece more personal and inviting. Both groups enhance the audience experience and bring a mix of intensity and emotional depth that make this a truly intriguing hour.

LYDC dazzle with kinetic power and draw us in with sheer momentum, eyes darting around the stage; you’re never sure where to look with so much frenzied energy. It’s a visual joy and sets up PRIME’s piece with clever lighting and rhythmic arm, hand and foot work beautifully, as nothing in the hour feels one-note. If you’ve come for physical range, LYDC will give you that in droves, while PRIME ensures artistic depth is also part of the show.

Ultimately this is a showcase of two talented groups expressing themselves through dance and showcasing their hard work, dedication and determination. Young or old, this show has something for you.

****

Reviewed by Matthew

Assembly – DanceBase

13.15 (1hr)

Until 10 Aug