This is a review of the dance piece "Groove," which premiered in Mannheim on Friday, October 25th, 2024, at 8 p.m. at EinTanzHaus.
Jonas Frey and his team have played a key role in the expansion of urban dance in Mannheim. Their recent piece involves turning club dance routines into a refined theatrical performance, which has impressed the usual crowd at #EinTanzHaus. Nevertheless, the inquiry persists: How does the distinctive fusion of street dance styles and contemporary choreography in urban dance effectively resonate with the audience?
"Groove" is a performance that begins with a sense of timidity and contemplation. Initially scattered across the theatre, the dancers converge towards the central stage, executing a brief rhythmic sequence characterised by subtle bounces accentuating the music's beat–grooving. At its inception, this routine is a delicate movement exploration, exuding a bashful and modest quality without any desire to draw attention. It's as if they are dancing in silence, even though the music remains throughout the piece. As the groove routine progresses, it expands and develops, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.
During the group dance, a simple hand gesture on the shoulder symbolizes unity and emphasizes the importance of staying together rather than drifting apart from the group’s rhythm. This intentional tempo, requiring patience, transforms into a rhythmic and emotional experience as the solo performances delve deeper into the dancers' personalities. The straightforward movements captivated the audience, gradually shifting their perception toward a purposeful emotional depth that emanated from the dancers' bodies. The charismatic performers Mike Planz, Gabriele Aidulis, and Andrea Böge embodied the choreographer's essence on stage, presenting a style that feels authentic to urban dance rather than theatrical.
During the group dance, a simple hand gesture on the shoulder symbolizes unity and emphasizes the importance of staying together rather than drifting apart from the group’s rhythm. This intentional tempo, requiring patience, transforms into a rhythmic and emotional experience as the solo performances delve deeper into the dancers' personalities. The straightforward movements captivated the audience, gradually shifting their perception toward a purposeful emotional depth that emanated from the dancers' bodies. The charismatic performers Mike Planz, Gabriele Aidulis, and Andrea Böge embodied the choreographer's essence on stage, presenting a style that feels authentic to urban dance rather than theatrical.
Jonas and the group exhibit a distinctive skillfulness in Groove that doesn't rely on acrobatics or storytelling. Their strong bond and pleasure in dancing is a collective joy that stems from their history of collaborating on previous projects. This connection is evident in their most recent performance, which showcases their skills and significantly contributes to the evolution of dance art in Mannheim. This performance stands out by consistently presenting work without pretentious grand narratives. By creating a captivating and identifiable vocabulary, the dance significantly impacts the spectators' perception.
Leonardo Rodrigues is an autonomous dance educator, performer, researcher, and choreographer living in Mannheim. His primary interest is how choreography can be a powerful tool for transforming individuals and communities.
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