Triple Bill for Ages 8-12, Dance Umbrella 2014

In spite of its noble aims, there’s nothing patronising about this selection. These are challenging works of international acclaim, but perfect for a young audience in their energy and ideas. The first two slices are complete works, AP15 choreographed and danced by Sébastien Ramirez and Honji Wang, and How to Be Alone by Hege Haagenrud. The third slice is an excerpt from Wayne McGregor’s full-evening work, FAR.
Hip Hop
Ramirez and Wang make the kind of hip hop that seems to steal the elegance of ballet and make it spin on its head. There are no high-tops and hoodies here (although they do that too) - AP15 is a graceful and a quiet narrative of love articulated through the body. It’s breakdance, but so sinuous that it almost escapes the genre.
Dance for kids, by kids
Hegen Haagenrud is billed as the foremost creator of dance for young audiences in Norway. Why would they need something specific, you might ask, when we can all enjoy the Nutcracker together? But Haagenrud is as interested in the experience of being young as their capacities as an audience. How to Be Alone is performed by young dancers, and deals with the transitional phase between childhood and adulthood as young people learn to be alone. Haagenrud’s young daughters were much involved in the creative process, an explanation perhaps of the piece’s authenticity.
Wayne McGregor workshop
A first glimpse at McGregor’s FAR might not convince you of its accessibility, but in fact the Royal Ballet’s resident choreographer’s almost impossibly athletic work is a great entry point into contemporary ballet. Putting aside the fact that kids love weird (and McGregor is the ultimate science geek in tights), his choreography departs so starkly and blatantly from classical movement, that it throws up a myriad of questions about modern dance. The piece is danced by the full Random Dance Company, who will also be running a workshop for this age group as part of Dance Umbrella. Both events are a great opportunity to see these powerful dancers up close.