Rituals of the city that come alive after dark will be brought to the stage in a new dance work by Yarraville choreographer Melanie Lane.
Sliding between exotic dance, techno, burlesque and pop, Nightdance will recreate the experience of an all-night journey through clubs that come into their own at night.
“I think dance is something very primal in human nature, ritualistic,” Lane said.
“When we were doing research excursions, looking at what’s happening in these social spaces, it was very complex.”
Lane said each different space in the nightlife environment had its own rules of engagement, but there were also some common threads.
“Dance offers freedom, a letting go and escape from the daytime routine, a space people can find these temporary identities and anything can happen,” she said.
Joining Lane for the production will be her partner, electronic music pioneer Chris Clark, and Seddon lighting designer Bosco Shaw.
Lane said the sound and light elements of the show were particularly important for setting the mood and creating a suitable sense of space.
“We have created a light installation for the work and the sound is also very important,” she said.
Nightdance will be at North Melbourne’s Arts House from August 24-27.
Tickets cost $25-$35 via artshouse.com.au or 9322 3720.
