Crouching within the environment, four dancers are buffeted, tossed, whirled and caressed by the unpredictable forces of the wind.  At times they give in, at times they struggle, but always they are working towards regaining their centres. In Winded Fleur De Thier is exploring both the physical effects of wind on the body and the emotional ‘winds’ that cross our life paths pushing us off balance. 

The stunning sculptural set involves an installation of suspended silver tubes winding through each other, projecting across the space and offering an array of intriguing lighting effects. Torch-like, they create a vortex of wind tunnels and with the sound, combine to create an industrial atmosphere. The coolness of the contemporary sound score and the opening film carry us along into wind scurrying clouds and Canterbury skies. Turbulence is to follow.

De Their’s choreographic process generates a raft of new movement motifs as the dancers explore the environment and each other. Dancers – Julia Milsom, Erica Viedma, Liana Yew and Paul Young – are pulled, thrust against each other, violently propelled and twirled by forces beyond their control. Still they return for more …

One intriguing pas de deux involves a series of elegantly controlled balances and shifting weight contrasting against sudden dramatic twirls, subtle inter-locking limbs and airborne suspensions. Another stunning duo involves a female dancer attempting to connect with the man accompanied by torturous breathing. The climatic and memorable finale unleashes the full force of the wind machine onto the resilient dancers.

Costumes enhance this multi media piece. Tufts of fabric are suspended and engage in their own dance behind the dancers’ bodies. A lone dancer facing the force of the wind machine hair streaming, with floating sections of cloth and fluid limbs, is an enduring image. Another equally breath taking section occurs when the dancers’ bodies are projected alongside film of wavering tussock.  Almost ghost like and melding into the environment, the billowing cloth-forms tug, dissolve, float and whirl in the space.

Clearly the creative team have worked closely to ensure the forms are integrated, balanced and coherent. The enticing web of contemporary dance is flung out further for Christchurch audiences in this fine production. The fusion of these art forms yields a creative and captivating performance which will stir a strong response from those lucky enough to get a seat. 
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