Dance and rhythm are intimately connected. In this respect, it seems banal to make the rhythm itself the subject of a dance performance. The Israeli-born choreographer Lee Méir does not want to show performers who are gripped by the groove. Her dance evening “safe & sound” is more of an experiment about how long dancers can move without a recognizable rhythm.
The premiere of “safe & sound” was originally supposed to take place in May 2021 at HAU3, but had to be canceled due to the corona virus. At the start of the long dance weekend in the Radialsystem, the piece will now be shown in front of an audience for the first time.
The stage is littered with second-hand clothes and household items. The six dancers initially stumble between these objects and mumble to themselves. Then some of them strip off their long coats, pick dresses or skirts off the floor, or squeeze into pants. And later change their outfit again.
These undressing and dressing scenes cannot even be understood as a fashion statement. There will be no music this evening. The performers use their voices for this. They even worked with a voice coach. This means that “safe & sound” is very much in vogue: Vocal means of expression are being tried out more and more often in the free Berlin dance scene – mostly without prior knowledge and without any inhibitions.
From humming to howling
Lee Méir asked the dancers to create their own tones and sounds. They do this with sometimes more, sometimes less emphasis. These vocal expressions range from soft hums to loud howls and are treated by the choreographer like material.
No attention is paid to euphony, nor to the articulations of others. This often escalates into a veritable cacophony with everyone running wild and throwing their clothes in the air. If the performers agree on a constant rhythm, it is of a simplicity that can hardly be beaten and is soon broken off again.
Applied chaos research
This is countered by lengthy repetitions. One step forward and back. A turn to the right and to the left. These mundane sequences don’t get any more exciting when performed by four performers. Obviously, Lee Méir has little interest in choreography. But even as applied chaos research, this performance is rather tiring. Sometimes dance styles from other cultures are hinted at, but that too is quickly wiped away. You can’t even argue about cultural appropriation on this evening.
As if it were a workshop
The six dancers all have different backgrounds. One would wish that this diverse ensemble would really get going and have a jam session. Instead, you have the feeling of watching a workshop. “Slave to the Rhythm” is the title of a 1980s dancefloor hit by Grace Jones. But unfortunately no one becomes a slave to the rhythm here.
Two more performances will be shown at the dance weekend in the Radialsystem. The Berlin choreographer Isabelle Schad has developed the solo “Personne with Voice” together with the French artist. The voice also plays a role here. The choreographer duo Ana Laura Lozza and Bárbara Hang are accompanied by drummer Sara Neidorf in “The rest of dance”. Maybe it will be an ecstatic dance into May after all.
