Nico Muhly's Score Brings Together Unconventional Choreographers at Sadler's Wells
A unique composer series has returned to Sadler's Wells, this time showcasing the work of American Nico Muhly in a new and captivating dance production. The three choreographers selected to interpret his music – Jules Cunningham, Maud Le Pladec, and Michael Keegan-Dolan – each brought their distinctive approaches to the table.
Cunningham's piece, Slant, was set to Muhly's Drones, a haunting work of sustained string notes that created a sense of suspension. The stark movement, with its flat planes and improbable balances, contrasted beautifully with the eerie atmosphere evoked by the music. Cunningham's six-strong cast included two children and Ellen van Schuylenburch, a veteran dancer with a wealth of experience.
Le Pladec's Veins of Water was an enchanting dance that showcased Muhly's ability to craft mesmerizing textures. The three dancers – seemingly oblivious to their attire – moved in waves of sequins, their jellyfish bodies undulating to the music. This performance had an otherworldly quality, as if they were drawn from a 1960s alien girl group.
However, it was Michael Keegan-Dolan's production that proved to be the most striking of all. His show, inspired by Sam Amidon's folk tune The Only Tune, was a masterclass in contrast and surprise. The dancers appeared as skeletons doing jazz hands, while Amidon stood on stage, serenely singing a murder ballad. This unconventional world, where theatre and music blurred into something greater, left the audience spellbound.
The result of this composer series is not only a testament to Muhly's innovative spirit but also a celebration of the power of dance to reimagine and reinterpret his work in breathtaking ways.
A unique composer series has returned to Sadler's Wells, this time showcasing the work of American Nico Muhly in a new and captivating dance production. The three choreographers selected to interpret his music – Jules Cunningham, Maud Le Pladec, and Michael Keegan-Dolan – each brought their distinctive approaches to the table.
Cunningham's piece, Slant, was set to Muhly's Drones, a haunting work of sustained string notes that created a sense of suspension. The stark movement, with its flat planes and improbable balances, contrasted beautifully with the eerie atmosphere evoked by the music. Cunningham's six-strong cast included two children and Ellen van Schuylenburch, a veteran dancer with a wealth of experience.
Le Pladec's Veins of Water was an enchanting dance that showcased Muhly's ability to craft mesmerizing textures. The three dancers – seemingly oblivious to their attire – moved in waves of sequins, their jellyfish bodies undulating to the music. This performance had an otherworldly quality, as if they were drawn from a 1960s alien girl group.
However, it was Michael Keegan-Dolan's production that proved to be the most striking of all. His show, inspired by Sam Amidon's folk tune The Only Tune, was a masterclass in contrast and surprise. The dancers appeared as skeletons doing jazz hands, while Amidon stood on stage, serenely singing a murder ballad. This unconventional world, where theatre and music blurred into something greater, left the audience spellbound.
The result of this composer series is not only a testament to Muhly's innovative spirit but also a celebration of the power of dance to reimagine and reinterpret his work in breathtaking ways.
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I'm loving how Sadler's Wells is pushing boundaries with these composer series! Nico Muhly's music is like a perfect blend of dark magic and whimsy, it's amazing to see how different choreographers can interpret it in their own unique way 
. Jules Cunningham's Slant was so haunting, I felt like I was watching a dance version of a Tim Burton movie 
, while Michael Keegan-Dolan's show with Sam Amidon was just wild and trippy... like nothing I've ever seen before! 
The result is truly breathtaking, it's a testament to the power of art to take us on incredible journeys 
.
I think what really stood out to me was how each choreographer brought their own unique energy to Nico Muhly's score. It's not often you get to see such diversity in one night, but it worked beautifully. The way Le Pladec's dancers moved like jellyfish in Veins of Water was mesmerizing 
. But what really impressed me was how Muhly's music seemed to be the thread that tied everything together – it's clear he knows how to craft a work that can be interpreted in so many different ways 
.
the music is haunting, the movements are stunning, & the way they blend dance & music is just magic! 
i'm obsessed with Veins of Water - those jellyfish bodies moving to Muhly's textures? 
meanwhile, Michael Keegan-Dolan's show was like a masterclass in contrast & surprise... skeletons doing jazz hands while Amidon sings this murder ballad 
it's all so captivating! 
you should def check out the pics from Slant - those 6-strong casts with kids & Ellen van Schuylenburch? 
... I mean, it was like they heard the audience complaining about the acoustics last time and suddenly everyone could hear themselves think! Anyway, Nico Muhly's music is always beautiful, but I have to say, I'm loving how these choreographers are pushing his work into some really weird and wonderful places 
. That Le Pladec girl in Veins of Water was giving me major alien vibes 
... I'm just glad I wasn't stuck watching anything boring, like a traditional dance performance or whatever 
.
. But what really caught my attention was Michael Keegan-Dolan's production - it was like he took all the rules out of dance and just went for it! I mean who wouldn't want to see skeletons doing jazz hands while a murder ballad is being sung? 
It just goes to show how much of an impact music can have on art, and I'm so grateful that Sadler's Wells keeps pushing the boundaries like this.
but then again, maybe her experience is exactly what was needed to bring that eerie atmosphere to life? 
meanwhile, le pladec's performance was super captivating... those jellyfish costumes were insane! 
! But what really got me was Keegan-Dolan's production, it's like he took all the expectations and turned them on their head 
, and michael's show... wow! it was like the audience was transported to another world 
. i love how they're not afraid to take risks and push boundaries with his music. it's a testament to Muhly's genius that he can inspire such creative interpretations 
Muhly's music is like a portal to another world... and these choreographers are just the guides 
. Each of the three pieces had a different energy, but they all showcased how versatile and impactful Muhly's music can be when paired with dance 
. Can't wait to see more from these talented dancers!
