FORM Dance Projects: Champions

Drawing parallels between football and contemporary dance, a cast of 11 take to the stage (or should that be the field) to present Champions, an adrenaline-fuelled choreographic show.

The show is presented in the form a typical football match with pre-match analysis, running commentary (from Channel Seven sports presenter, Mel McLaughlin), a first half, second half, and post-match interview.

The commonalities between football and dance are not limited to the show’s format. The production makes evident that both strongly rely on physical skills, rigorous training, a sense of rhythm, a desire to perform, strategy and team spirit.

The show’s director, Martin del Amo, a self-described “avid sports fan”, says that the show “takes its cues from football”, from the format to the dance. Del Amo explains that the cast and crew consulted with local W-League outfit, the Western Sydney Wanderers, and members of Australia’s national women’s football team, the Matildas, in seeking to bring football to the stage.

In the words of del Amo, the sum of this work is a “playful approach to challenging audience expectations of what dance is”.

There is no doubt that this show has something for the avid sports fan and dance aficionado alike. Kick-off is in mid-January; but with limited matches (shows), you better book early so as to avoid disappointment. (RP)

Jan 17–22, Carriageworks, Bay 17, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh. $37-$41. Tickets & info: www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2017/champions or 1300 856 876

BY RAFFAELE PICCOLO