Rambert2 is a company of young dancers from dance schools all over the world, including Rambert. They are a second Rambert ensemble aimed at introducing the dancers to company life. The group are performing all over the UK throughout this year and also offering an educational programme and open classes for schools and other communities.

The performance at Exeter Northcott Theatre consisted of three dance pieces by three different up and coming choreographers. The evening began with Grey Matter, a group work by Benoit Swan Pouffer. The dancers were costumed by the brand COTTWEILER and wore opaque white clothing with various red, orange and yellow garments. They hustled together as a group, moving as a force in mesmerising and very distinct movement patterns. The phrases appeared almost unnatural, full of snapping inverted joints and unnatural linking. This really was showing the companies experimental nature at its finest. The strong and heavy soundtrack only complimented the movement style and left us reeling for more.

The second piece of the showcase was a male/female duet called E2 7SD. The piece was choreographed by Rafael Bonachela, a former Rambert dancer and now Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director. The piece shifted beautifully through the space, each movement interlinking with the previous in a chain reaction. It was rhythmic, slinky and intense. The work is based on two dancer’s personal diaries and follows them as they move through their own journeys. The soundtrack jumps between the voices, letting us see the raw emotional charge behind the piece.

The third and final work of the evening was called Killer Pig. It was choreographed by international choreographer Sharon Eyal. This piece was athleticism at its most severe. It was hot, heavy and unforgiving. The energy was never ending and unrivalled, whilst the music pulsed and the audience buzzed. Distinct movement patterns and style were distorted and almost mechanical, the music leading each motion. The dancers patrolled in a tight knit group often breaking out in canon, unison, duets and solos creating a chaos of off beats and juxtaposition. Long limbs with minimal costumes meant each muscle flex was highlighted. It was a surreal work to finish on that left us exhausted but very excited for this companies future.

Top Image: Rambert2