Duets is a quick-fire compilation of different performances and genres. Entertaining and lively, Duets is about relationships, exploring space with someone else. It generally features pairs, dancers in twos, but occasionally that is challenged – by a dancer and her musician, and by two pairs dancing together, one challenging the other.

There are a lot of performances in a short space of time, encompassing a range of genres, from contemporary to hiphop, from ballroom to Pacific dance. Each is polished and different, giving the audience a great taste of what that style of dance can do.

Duets provides some interesting ideas about what duets are. Duets are not always simply couples dancing together, but rather focus on the interactions and partnerships between people while they dance, and the roles different pairs can take. These can include sibling rivalry as they fight over a car seat, the space that comes from being far away, yet somehow close to someone you love, and the competition which can occur between two skilled performers.

The standard of dance varies between performances, but is definitely high and all are engaging. The audience is delighted by the different stories and interesting music. The costumes range from sequined ballgowns to simple street clothes, and the variety is breathtaking. However, there are a few pieces which steal the show and are over all too quickly.

One of these highlights is Double Derelicts Justin Haiu and Tama Jarman with a reworked version of the piece which won the supreme award in the Short + Sweet dance competition. Playing two hobos which chase each other around a battered old couch, both dancers are amusing and entertaining. The routine is complex and wonderfully expressive, keeping the audience entertained and smiling.

TMC tap stars Andrew Cesan and Simon Watts are a crowd favourite once again. Their street tap routines are impressive with some great movement and tricks. There is no music and none is needed; TMC are more than capable of setting a rhythm for themselves and mesmerising everyone in the process.

A Flamenco piece danced by  Amira Brock shows the relationship between dancer and musician. It is very dramatic and effective, with just the right amount of harshness. In contrast, the Pacific dance from Filoi Vaila’au and Lima Manu – Moe Te’ite’i is soft, showing the trial of being unable to sleep because of being apart from a lover. It is lovely, sensuous and flowing, a traditional Pacific dance with a few modern twists.

Irish dancers Enerjig are, as their name suggests, fun, vibrant and full of energy. The footwork is quick and complex, and it is interesting to watch. There are also some beautiful ballroom dancers, and an appearance from Dancing With the Stars’ Brian Jones and Beatrice Faumuina. Salsa con coco gives us some sexy salsa which is polished and intricate, and there are entertaining hiphop and contemporary pieces.

To finish, Royal New Zealand Ballet dancers Paul Matthews and Ginny Gan perform an excerpt from Andrew Simmons’ A Song in the Dark. It is fluid and haunting, and danced beautifully; definitely one of the high points of the show.

It is a treat to be able to see so many different styles in one show, and the audience left satisfied. It is also wonderful to see so many different partnerships and interactions between dancers. While a part of me wishes that some of the pieces could last longer, Duets is a wonderful whirlwind of dance, leaving the audience wanting more, just like good dancing should.

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