Company Chordelia's new production, 'Revel', explores the experience of ageing for seasoned dancers. Conceived and staged by artistic director Kally Lloyd-Jones, who also performs, the show was co-created with Steinvör Palsson, a notable figure in the Scottish dance community.
The performance begins with Lloyd-Jones and Palsson appearing from a discarded dress and a storage crate, respectively, with a backstage announcement that they have nine hours to prepare. Their warm-up routines differ, with Palsson favouring qigong and Lloyd-Jones opting for a more strenuous approach, before they attend to a checklist that includes multivitamins and an HRT patch.
As the clock counts down, the dancers engage in dreamlike recollections of past performances, from Swan Lake sequences to marching gestures. Highlights include Palsson's rendition of 'Whatever Lola Wants' and a segment where Barbies are used to demonstrate former abilities before being broken. Despite exaggerated movements, their dancing histories are evident, with Lloyd-Jones bounding and Palsson hovering delicately on her toes, showcasing a strong comic rapport.