Bella Figura by Jiří Kylián

Bella Figura by Jiří Kylián

Netherlands Dans Theatre

Have you ever been on public transport, and you accidentally catch the eye of someone sat opposite? You both squirm with discomfort- yet can’t quite look away, because you are somewhat intrigued? … Yes, I’m afraid I did just compare Jiri Kylian’s immense collaboration of modern dance and classical ballet to being checked-out by some leering pervert on the Tube, but the analogy works, since there is something fascinating about the off-kilter quality to Kylian’s choreography.

An NDT dancer is a curious being: maintaining an extraordinary level of strength and movement dexterity, yet sustaining the ability to contort, twist and contract like a pipe-cleaner. Kylian’s forte appears to be one of innovation; the physical exploration of the human body in Bella Figura will surely have the geriatrics in the front row choking on that gentle, full-bodied Shiraz they ordered during the interval… for the gender of the dancers is almost undefinable. Through the use of billowing russet skirts, nudity and an interesting pair of beige knickers; both men and women are stripped down to the barest level of vulnerability; adopting regressional and distressing foetal contortions.

But I feel I should warn you: if twee country-side sets and smiling bourrées, that clatter in a perfect resonance with a sweet, orchestral score, float your boat… Bella Figura ain’t for you. The stage is sparse- with an industrial, exposed lighting-rig and unoccupied wings- creating a stage of an enthralling, infinite size. The dancers begin, vacant and unstructured, simply marking-through movement; a nod to the ‘performance’ that Kylian attempts to subvert. Then the music: a rich, luxurious drone which sways the piece away from the former unrehearsed nonchalance to an altogether more melancholy tone- with a constant, frugal wash of light standing as a contrast to the wealth and detail of Kylian’s movement vocabulary.