Dadodans, KoKERS, The Place

Two dancers construct their own world with cardboard tubes in the latest quirky piece from the Italian choreographer Gaia Gonnelli. As Artistic Director of the Dutch multidisciplinary performance company Dadodans, Gonnelli is known for creating inventive and spirited work that encourages young children to use their imagination.

She mixes dance with theatre, live music and other art forms to engage little ones and their parents alike with fun and fanciful shows.

In KoKERS ('Tubes'), cardboard tubes, playful choreography and percussive sounds combine in an entertaining and energetic style. A dancing duo build and break apart inventive landscapes. Will they be happy with a city, a forest, a house, a playground…? The pair balance, flip, twirl and jump around the space as they learn how to play together in an environment that is in constant flux.

It’s promoted as a satisfyingly simple performance about having fun, facing up to challenges and being there for each other. Ultimately, the two dancers will realise that the most fun is to be found when they combine forces.

KoKERS' concept and choreography are by Gonnelli, who has set the moves to music composed by her long-time collaborator Wiebe Gotink.

After the performance, the children in the audience will be invited onstage to investigate the props, which are so simple that they could be recreated at home.

KoKERS is being presented at The Place as part of this year’s Dance Umbrella, London’s leading international dance festival. We predict it will go down well with youngsters and the young-at-heart.

Age Guidance: 3+