Words: Kiera Harper
Image: Brian Hartley
4 Stars
not for glory is a rebellious deconstruction of traditional art forms in an attempt to reconnect with the love that comes from creation.
This new dance show explores different art forms, from highland dancing performed by Charlotte McLean to Irish dancing performed by Jack Anderson, and piping and fiddling performed by Malin Lewis, and the way that art can take a toll on the artist when constricted.
This unrelenting, fascinating piece of work delves into the unknown culture and history an artist carries in their body. McLean, who was taught highland dancing from a young age, expresses that she didn’t know the intrinsic rebellion of highland dancing as she was never taught the history alongside the steps. This same sentiment is held by Anderson and Lewis, who took up Irish dancing and bagpiping when they were younger but later veered away from and scrubbed themselves of any trace of connection to their art as they grew older.
not for glory explores how the three performers were shaped by the competitive nature of their respective art forms and underlines the consequences of creating only to win. Competing came hand in hand with performing; you learned the steps and the notes to stand against others to see who’s best. Due to this, the three lost their passion for dancing and bagpiping, but with this show they have set out to reclaim their love for their art and to dance for the sake of dancing again.
Coming from a place of reclamation and inherent queerness, not for glory breaks down tradition in a vulnerable, raw way, allowing for the performers to blend modern dance with the traditional dance in their bones. This poignant show encourages audiences to reclaim their own passions in the messiest, loudest ways possible.
not for glory
DB3 at Assembly @ Dance Base
19:45
11th – 23rd August