The New Zealand Dance Company's Gallipoli-inspired show, Rotunda. Photo by John McDermott
The New Zealand Dance Company's Gallipoli-inspired show, Rotunda. Photo by John McDermott
Review: Rotunda The New Zealand Dance Company Baycourt Friday, March 13, 2015
You can't help but be mesmerised by the powerful and raw talent that is the New Zealand Dance Company. Eight dancers pushed their bodies but appeared to move effortlessly as they made Tauranga's Baycourt stage their own. Captivating an eager audiencewith raw contemporary dance, the Australasian tour Rotunda commemorated the Gallipoli landings almost 100 years ago.
The show immediately cemented the purpose at its heart. The Anzac spirit came to life when the New Zealand Army Band joined the stage, performing and musically narrating the dancers with clean-cut percussion. Timing here was everything and there was no doubt that a high level of fitness from the dancers was needed to execute movements at their best for one-and-a-half hours. Gentle humour made it easy to lose yourself in the enjoyment of the show; but goosebumps and the welling of tears reminded me what was being portrayed. Bay locals were quick to show their appreciation by clapping at the end of each scene and even longer once the show concluded. I was left feeling the camaraderie and bravery on display.
