This autumn the National Dance Company Wales will be once again be showcasing their talents in various venues across the country. Their autumn tour takes their show Folk to the stage for the public to experience contemporary dance in different ways. “This Autumn Tour is going to be a real mix of high octane physicality, eclectic music, humour and poetry,” explains the company’s Artistic Director, Caroline Finn. “The Company is incredibly vibrant and I’m really excited to get on the road and bring our work to as many people as possible.
Folk is a new piece choreographed by Caroline Finn, who joined the company in September 2015, and is Finn’s first piece for the company. “A lot of my inspiration for pieces comes from simply watching people,” says Caroline when asked about her work. “I’m an avid people-watcher and I get inspired by how they interact and behave in different situations. Folk deals more specifically with the idea of the individual vs society; how people behave when they are part of a group compared to when they are alone, what makes people become part of a group and what ostracizes them?”
NDC Wales have promised that Folk will bring a quirky, dynamic performance, exploring social dynamic themes through surreal scenes. Folk will also continue to collaborate with regional Welsh talent, including costume designer Gabriella Slade and set and lighting designer Joe Fletcher.
The National Dance Company Wales openly offers opportunities for the public through a variety of activities on the tour such as interactive performance and workshops. With pre and post–show talks and the opportunity to watch the dancers rehearse, audiences can discover more about the process behind the dancers’ work. The company commit themselves to working with young people, whether they are dancing for the first, developing their skills or are dedicated dancers. “The biggest misconception is that it’s ‘not for me’,” says Caroline. “In regards to watching dance and particularly contemporary dance, many people assume that it will be inaccessible since there’s often not a story line as such to follow. But my advice is to keep an open mind and to allow for your own interpretation of the work.”
Folk, Pontio, Bangor, Fri 16 + Sat 17 Sept. Tickets: £6-£8. Info: 012 4838 2828 / www.pontio.co.uk; Hafren, Newtown, Thurs 10 + Fri 11 Nov. Tickets: £7-£9. Info: 106 8661 4555 / www.thehafren.co.uk; Dance House, Cardiff, Mon 14 – Thurs 17 Nov. Tickets: £12-£16. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk.
CIARA NELIGAN