Heaven on Earth

Published Wednesday 28 March 2007 at 17:45 by Gavin Roebuck

Union Dance celebrates its 21st Anniversary in 2007 and marks the occasion with a brand new work entitled Heaven on Earth. This double-bill tours the UK and comprises a work by leading French-Algerian choreographer Tayeb Benemara and one by the company’s own Michael Joseph. The programme embraces the idea of collaboration to convey peace with grace through a spiritual viewpoint. It presents the audience with a dance experience, combining African and European elements in a poetic context, expressing a state of being connected to time and the world and of belonging to the present, enjoying Heaven on Earth.

Part I, called Sublime Element, was an earthy piece by Tayeb Benemara. He also appeared in his work, which involved grounded movements. With a starscape lighting design by Bill Deverson, the dancers performed Michael Joseph’s creation Celestial Drawing, incorporating elements of the company’s urban dance signature style.

Well danced by the seven performers, Union’s style is an eclectic mix of contemporary dance, martial arts and urban. Its performers demonstrate an athletic, agile and easy-flowing approach, in part influenced by hip-hop and modern techniques. With duets, trios and company action, it retains its sense of direction and style. Having created 18 successful productions in its 21 years, the company continues to explore - in the words of the founder and director Corrine Bougaard - “unity beyond diversity”.