Experiencing the submlime Night Dances at Longford's Backstage Theatre

Being handed ear plugs upon entering the theatre space of Backstage in Longford should was an indication of what was to come.
The ear protection was a precaution for anyone sensitive to high volumes, but the live music that was the score of Night Dances deserved to be heard in its full intensivity.

This acclaimed production from choreographer Emma Martin is, first and foremost, a dance show; it's movement as art, however the overwhelming splendour of the music elevates it to a sublime level.
Performed to pounding beats by Daniel Fox and the atmospheric lighting of Stephen Dodd, Night Dances is a series of four vignettes, a work celebrating dance culture – from clubs to competitions to ceremonies.

The opening dancer of Jonas Krämer is astonishing. It's as if two separate soundtracks are playing. The first is played by the band, a driving, overwhelming, surging opus, while in parallel runs the music suggested by Krämer's dancing.
His movement defies the normal constraints of the body, his contortions rhythmic, yet prescriptive.
The second part features a young dance troupe. This freestyle disco performance is the embodiment of youth and the fearlessness of young dancers.

The third piece is an ode to the rave culture popular in Ireland in the 90s. The solo dancer takes the audience on a journey through dance clubs at the fin de siècle. The use of lighting, giving the impression of a slow strobe light was powerfully evocative.

The final section was a trio of female dancers. In this vignette the dancers revealed a story of sensuality and passion; an intriguing blend of strength and supplication performed by dancers at the top of their game.

Night Dances was performed at Backstage Theatre, Longford, on Wednesday, March 5.