When Richard Alston announced due to restructuring of funding streams that its final tour would be in 2019/2020, it was definitely the an end of an era.
Monique Jonas, Elly Braund, Melissa Braithwaite and Ellen Yilma | Photo © Chris Nash
Richard Alston has been creating dance for over 50 years and his company has been resident at The Place for the past 24 years.
In that time, Alston has played a major role in the world of contemporary dance, developing a unique and distinct dance language and shaping the art form in this country.
Theatre Royal Bath is privileged enough to be part of this final swansong tour and to top the evening Alston joined his dancers onstage for a curtain call to a standing ovation.
The programme consisted of favourites such as Brahms Hungarian, a series of flirty and elegant dances first seen in 2018.
The excellent Jason Ridgway on piano both for Brahms and Shine on supported the work with huge skill. Shine On also included music by Britten sung by Katherine McIndoe and choreographed Richard Alston.
Highlight of the evening was the vibrant and exciting A Far Cry choreographed by Martin Lawrence to the soaring beauty of Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro Op.147.
The company seemed transformed from the earlier Voices and Light Footsteps, which was far more reserved in style.
Whilst it is a shame to see such an established company fall to funding constraints, it is easy to see that there will be a reinvention around the corner.
Whilst the younger generation of choreographers step up to take their bow and create new work. Richard Alston will never be far from the wings.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
The Richard Alston Dance Company performed at the Theatre Royal in Bath between 31st January – 1st February 2020.
