Hold Me Closer Tony Danza

This piece is an episodic amalgam of skilled, chaotic modern dance, mime, audience involvement, driving soundscape and exciting lightshow. It was commissioned by Monash University, Carriageworks, Dancehouse and the Keir Foundation for the 2020 Keir Choreographic Award.

It begins with the audience standing around a shiny gold circle on the floor. The circle is cut in half by a billowing crinkly gold material screen which introduces the notion of individual realities and curiosity about what is on the other side. It becomes clear there is contention between the dancers as one person hears Tiny Dancer and the other, Tony Danza when singing the Elton John song. The tension between the two dancers billows like the screen with excursions into the other side, using athletic sliding, rolling and grotesque movements.

The audience was skilfully invited into several episodes exploring ‘othering’ and group belonging. Although the episodes of dancing were skilful and evocative, and well supported by the soundscape and lighting, some of them lasted past the point of interest and involvement.

In the final episode reconciliation and engagement were depicted with a well-judged peak of emotion. It is exciting to experience well developed artistic responses to the world/s we find ourselves in and for these responses to lead to deeper reflections on our societal choices.

Ruth Richter

Photographer: Jade Ellis