The auditorium was buzzing with expectation at Jerwood DanceHouse, on Ipswich's Waterfront, in anticipation of the return of Scottish Dance Theatre, following an absence of some six years.

A feature event of DanceEast's Spring season, Scotland's national dance company performed its new double bill show. With a programme of contrasting qualities, the Dundee-based dance company's two works were inspired by our relationship with the wonders of nature.  

Opening the show with Thin h/as h/air, choreographed by company member Pauline Torzuoli, the work takes its inspiration from South American dangling air plants and hair ice which grows on some fallen trees.

Scottish Dance Theatre

In the words of the French-born Torzuoli: "Aren't trees the hair of the Earth? This question was the seed from which the piece grew." Having examined these curiosities through a "scientific lens", she continued: "as the piece took root, the journey of a man evolved: from scientist to the spirit of a tree."

Created for, and with, the Japanese-born Yosuke Kusano, the charismatic guest dancer had a gracefully dreamy stage presence in this strangely unique production. His engrossing solo performance also `had the elements of a conjuring trick about it as he produced endless strands of 'hair' to eventually cover the stage. Totally absorbing, the audience watched a full thirty minutes in total silence - not even a single cough or rustle.

Following the intermission, the full company took to the stage for the UK premiere of Roser Lópes Espinosa's The Flock. Nothing could have been in greater contrast to the show's opener with this excitingly dynamic and athletic performance inspired by the migration of birds, and our desire to fly. 

It also spoke to me of collectiveness; the show's programme noting that: "This mesmerising journey returns us to the animal nature of the body - to effort, teamwork, beauty, delicacy, and the spirit of freedom." It brought to mind recently witnessing the awe-inspiring spectacle of a starling murmuration joyfully swooping over the Suffolk countryside at dusk. 

Original Production L'estol (Picture: Roser Lopéz Espinosa)

The piece was performed to the hypnotically original music of Mark Drillich and Ilia Mayer, with its climactic crescendo bringing the action to a finish. 

From such a splendid collective performance, it would be unfair to single out an individual dancer. However, when Jessie Roberts-Smith performed a pleasing quieter solo interlude within the sometimes-frenetic action, it allowed the ensemble (as well as the members of the audience) to catch their breath. 

At the end of both halves of the show, large sections of the sell-out audience erupted into enthusiastic applause, suitably reflecting the appreciation of everyone in attendance. Following this, in the foyer, there was a post-show talk with DanceEast's Artistic Director and CEO Brendan Keaney and Scottish Dance Theatre's Artistic Director Joan Clevillé, alongside company performers.

With the auditorium full to bursting point; pre-show café meals; the bar well inhabited; spaces full of animated conversation; and the crowded post-show talk, it could be felt that an additional performance might have been possible for such a popular visiting company – next time, perhaps? 

The good news for dance enthusiasts is that DanceEast holds weekly classes in Hadleigh.

Mini Movers are free weekly classes for toddlers and their grown-ups held on Tuesdays between 9.15 – 10.45 at Hadleigh Library. For further information and to book classes email: [email protected] or phone 01473 295245.

Movers are classes that combine movement and refreshments to provide a creative outlet for people over 55 in Hadleigh. For further information and to book classes email: [email protected] or phone 07751 891319.