Myriad

Following last year’s successful debut, Interrupt, Collisions Dance is back with its new production, Myriad. Quirky and contemplative, it explores notions of selfhood in relation to modern day alienation, and the internalised worlds we so often find ourselves absorbed in.

The opening scene, performed by David Beer, Joanna Lamaison and Verity Hopkins, is upbeat, with the trio gleefully twisting and jiving together. The performance then fragments into a series of beautifully executed solos and duets, shifting between various states of mind. The distorted sound effects reinforcing the surreal, almost dream-like state the performers inhabit.
The movement quality retains a silk-like fluidity. Yet, while Lamaison and Hopkins’ elongated arabesques and airy pirouettes are of consistently high quality, Beer’s technique is notably weaker. The choreography consistently fails to acknowledge his male physique, thus neglecting to exhibit his full potential as a dancer.

Ultimately, the limited movement vocabulary edges towards monotony, with cautious choreographic decisions impeding the emotional intensity that simmers throughout the show. Regardless of these limitations and despite losing a performer due to injury a week prior to opening, Collisions display much promise for a new company, with their exploration of the estranged mind.

The Zoo, 662 6892, until 31 Aug (not 18, 26), 1.45pm, £7.50 (£6.50).