The Stage

Catch

Published Monday 13 February 2006 at 15:55 by Kevin Berry

Showcased at the British Dance Edition in Leeds, Catch is a soft, gentle, yet insightful duet from Stephanie Schober and her company. It serves to show why this German born and Laban trained choreographer is one of the most talked about talents whenever seasoned dance observers gather.

Catch opens with Katsura Isobe, alone and in a spotlight. She defines her own identity and explores her personality, making unmistakable statements and cutting each image with sudden twists and rolls and sweeping strokes.

Schober joins her, revealing facets of herself with startling simplicity. The two characters, dressed in unobtrusive pastel shades, complement each other. They retain their sense of self yet meet each other and develop a relationship side by side. The relationship hints at fragility but survives. Each is the better for their meeting. The two dancers have exquisite rhythms to work with and they show marvellous control. They move with elasticity and suppleness, their feet hardly making a sound. They are so lithe and so light.

The dancers’ revelations and explorations are paced with an original soundtrack, the work of John- Marc Gowans. It runs from atmospheric chanting to wails, to sighs, to sirens and more. There is change and drama but nothing is ever harshly done.

Catch is a piece of pure physical poetry. It casts a hypnotic spell. Isobe and Schober are fascinating dancers.

The Stephanie Schober Dance Company is currently touring a full programme of dance pieces, of which Catch is one.