Save it for me marks the end of an incredible journey for the students from the Hagley Dance Company. It is their graduation show and their time to show the world what they’ve got to offer. Having seen the group perform throughout the year in a number of thoroughly impressive shows, I am eager to see them now and wonder how they will ‘bring it’ even more for their final show.

‘Von’ choreographed by guest choreographer John Cohen-Du Four opens the show with the students in billowing cloud like skirts floating around the stage. This piece is uplifting and fills the space with whirling arms and torsos. Centre stage is the figure of an old lady holding a baby and wielding a staff with an omnipresent eyeball. At first glance I appreciate the fine costuming to give this effect, then a change of lights reveals that this is actually a life sized puppet being manipulated by a person. This is fitting considering Cohen-Du Four’s background in puppet theatre company, Tablo.

The murky tones of Tom Waits entice pairs of dancers onto the stage for ‘Clap hands’, choreographed by Julia Milsom and Paul Young. Motifs of hand clasping are repeatedly weaved into the choreography creating unique connections within the pairs. The students drop in and out of movements which accent the dimes and twangs of the music. Dressed in ‘bogan’ t-shirts, the students attack this piece with the type of attitude you would expect from a piece accompanied by Tom Waits.

Avoiding the awkwardness of costume change silence, videos of each of the company members sharing their past, present and future experiences of dance are shown in between each dance piece. It is neat for the performer/audience barrier to be severed so we can share in their joy and appreciate the efforts these students have made in reaching where they are tonight. In addition to giving their own bios, their classmates provide affirmations for each of the dancers.

‘On your side’, is choreographed by company director Candice Egan. This piece captures the trust and unity within the company as the dancers put their own safety in each-others hands. Dancers fly across the stage and are caught with confidence and without anticipation. They stand on each-others back and lift one another high until you think they are going to drop. The intensity of the movement is high and the dancers raise the temperature even more with their commitment to the work.

Choreographed by Sara Anderson are two ballet numbers, which the students must study as part of their course. While some of these contemporary-strong students seem out of their depth in the ballet pieces, it is a great opportunity to see Will Tomkinson’s talent for the genre showcased.

Illuminating the space with beams of light are hand torches placed along the front of the stage in ‘Clap a hand on letting go and holding on’, choreographed by Company alumnus, Sarah Elsworth. This piece quickly develops into a fun and quirky number with the students moving in a clump across the stage. The dancers validate their diversity as performers being able to master the sharp, quick dynamics of Elsworth’s piece. Hand torches are now utilised by the dancers who shine them across the stage, creating an interesting visual effect.

The final piece ‘Fold’, choreographed by Fleur de Thier, is an appropriate end to the evening. The mutual respect between dancers and choreographer is clearly evident in the company’s commitment to the piece. Their talent as dancers is showcased in their ability to translate all of the nuances of de Their’s intricately layered choreography into their own bodies. Their faces radiate expressions of bliss and satisfaction.

They have every right to be satisfied. It is obvious these young people are ready to face the challenges that the next stage of their journey will bring. Save it for me has highlighted their tremendous talents as performers and the focus and determination they will bring to the performing arts industry. I hope they will continue to grace the stage and look forward to seeing their work in the future. 

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