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London | 'Cloud Gate 2 – Triple Bill'

  • Date:2016-11-23
London | 'Cloud Gate 2 – Triple Bill'

Cloud Gate 2 (雲門2), a Cloud Gate Dance Theatre incubation program for young dancers and choreographers, made its UK debut with a triple bill at Sadler's Wells on Nov. 21.


"Wicked Fish (流魚)” mimics a shoal of frenzied fish, in which the undulation and constant motion are hallmarks of the early works by emerging choreographer Huang Yi (黃翊). The Guardian called it a "choreography of fierce, elegant complexity” in which the dancers appeared akin to "a vast, fluid machine.”


"The Wall (牆)” examines humanity's physical and mental barriers. The statement on protection and segregation is set to dramatic heavy beats and allows for the well-trained dancers to showcase their skills in nerveless balances, arching backbends and fleet, soft-footed jumps, noted The Financial Times.


"Beckoning (來)” is a playful and poetic piece inspired by the traditional Taiwanese street-dancing procession of Eight Infernal Generals (八家將). The swaying, zigzagging parade formation of the exorcising deities is deftly worked into the dance by Cheng Tsung-lung (鄭宗龍), giving rise to a piece that "segues between sensual and poetic, and playful and spirited,” wrote British critic David Mead.


The triple bill was part of the Out of Asia 2 season at Sadler's Wells, where Cloud Gate 2 joined five dance companies and four independent choreographers from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Taiwan in presenting Asia's vibrant performing arts world.


Unlike most junior companies, Cloud Gate 2 does not prepare dancers to join or perform Cloud Gate productions. Instead, it showcases talented young dancers in original works such as the triple bill that premiered at Sadler's Wells.


The Guardian called Cloud Gate 2 "Taiwan by way of Belgium” in a reference to their vehement, low-slung contemporary edge. Another critic wryly commented that as junior companies go, Cloud Gate 2 is "well fledged.”