Shadows: Dancers

Four performers: two male and two female.
Each dancer represents a member of the family.
The dancers portray strong emotions through their movements. Emotion and realism are key to their performances, as they are telling a personal and emotional story.
Strong technical ability is required from the dancers, using a wide range of movements from lifts to runs.
Use of different dance styles including contemporary and ballet. The fusion of these styles contributes to the unique quality of the piece.
The dancers have equal importance in the performance, with no one dancer being the ‘lead’. This represents the equality within the family unit.
Dancers use body language and facial expressions to further communicate their feelings to the audience. Understanding non-verbal communication is key to understanding the piece.

Shadows: Choreographer

Choreographed by Christopher Bruce.
Influenced by the music of Arvo Pärt.
Bruce’s movements are inspired by the music, which is sombre and melancholic.
The choreography is story-driven, helping to communicate the narrative to the audience.
Themes include fear, anxiety, and the relationship between family members. How these themes are portrayed through the dancers’ movements is key.