Words: Katie McCulloch

A beat begins, the rhythm of a drum shimmers and three movers articulate their bodies, luxuriating in the spontaneity and flow of the music.

Canadian choreographer Helen Simard and company, we all Fall Down (WAFD) Interdisciplinary Creations are inspired by chaos theory and complex mathematical equations. The collaboration of movement and live sound from composer Roger White and co is met with curiosity from the three dancers. They mostly move autonomously with occasional spurts in unison displaying a stylised show of street and contemporary dance. 

This scattered piece is playful to experience and is a fascinating hour of watching poetic poses and joyfully jerky movements somewhat sync together. It is captivating to watch different interpretations of the mood of the music. Silhouettes flicker against the wall and the dancers contort themselves into geometric, aquatic looking creatures. ‘Papillion’ has a glint in its eye and does not take itself too seriously. The piece may have benefited from more moments of togetherness; however, each mover and band member captivate the viewer in their artistry. 

Limb’s flail, bones jut and fast, floor work flows to galactic and hypnotic sounds. ‘Papillon’ creates calmness within its chaos, leaving the viewer in anticipation for the next WAFD project.

Papillon
Summerhall, TechCube
19.20
8-13, 15-19, 22-27 Aug