By Stina Quagebeur
A film by Shaun James Grant
ENB Associate Choreographer Stina Quagebeur’s Take Five Blues was inspired by Nigel Kennedy’s take on Bach’s Vivace and Desmond’s Take Five, and the way in which contemporary jazz and classical music are uniquely married together.
Film director Shaun James Grant creates a jazz-influenced dream-like atmosphere, where the eight dancers are in their own world, free to feed off each other’s energy and play with the unexpected melodies and rhythms in this high-spirited number that pushes past classical ballet’s rules and boundaries into new territories.
“An enjoyable blitz of whizzing pirouettes and relaxed phrases”
The Times
“With warmth and fun, the dancers bounce off violinist Nigel Kennedy’s unconventional recordings of Take Five and Bach’s double concerto.”
The Guardian
“The driving score provokes spiky, assertive dance. Quagebeur keeps it loose, with plenty of bite. It’s a cheering blast of Friday night vibes.”
The Sunday Times
“A lively ensemble piece… filmed in a way that immerses the viewer both visually and sonically.”
The Stage
“Quagebeur’s blue-clad dancers injected freshness, humour and jazzy twists into her classical steps.”
Culture Whisper
Dancers: Aitor Arrieta, Matthew Astley, Fernando Carratalá Coloma, Henry Dowden, Shiori Kase, Katja Khaniukova, Rentaro Nakaaki, Angela Wood
Rental also includes a bonus Behind the Scenes mini-documentary, featuring Stina Quagebeur, and dancers Henry Dowden and Katja Khaniukova. Documentary by Michael Nunn & William Trevitt.
Principal supporter for Take Five Blues: Charles Holloway.
Sarah and Dominic Murphy are Lead Supporters of the Short Digital Commissions.
Click here to purchase Take Five Blues as a gift.
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