Finally! Someone creates a dance performed on a large scale mattress. As chaotic as that may seem, the Beijing Dance Theatre has truly mastered the concept.

Divided into three acts, Haze is a product of the process of industrialisation. It explored the force of climate and environment. Throughout the creative seventy minute performance, various threats and crises emerged- from the struggle for survival of the individual, to being reborn and learning to walk on unsteady ground, to the more obscure idea of alienation of industrial civilisation Haze was extremely symbolic. Perhaps it is a creative response to the impending economic and environmental hazards. It was a pure examination of the relation between a chaotic society, and the way that individuals can choose to interact with it. You can see this production without thinking too much about it. Or you can think about it. Entirely up to you. Choice is lovely huh?

Using small, tiny, short and sharp jumps to create vibrations that affect everyone on stage, the controlled, elegant and flexible movements of the Haze dancers wowed audiences on the opening night at His Majesty’s Theatre. Precision, control and collaboration were all essential elements to the performance. With a plethora of simple as well as technically incredible movements, the Chinese troupe maintained the audience’s attention. Awareness was a fundamental aspect of Haze. The audience was aware, but more importantly the dancers were aware of where they were leaping and jumping. However, although it sounds like an 8 years olds dream (dancing on their parents mattress), it was a phenomenal insight into the way the weight of society can effect each individual. Furthermore, I particularly enjoyed how the collaborations, lifts and general choreography were finely tuned to ensure that the opening performance was a success.

The traditional aspects of Chinese dance emerged in an array of contemporary movement. Technically amazing and I was so glad it wasn't another regurgitation of what you see on ‘SYTYCD’ which is a huge face palm when you go to such an amazing theatre. The Beijing Dance Theatre has toured Haze in world class venues including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Kennedy Centre and Sadler Wells Theatre. This was far from anything I’ve ever seen and ‘worldclass’ doesn’t give it justice. It’s on until the 1st of March and tickets are available here. I honestly cannot recommend seeing this enough. It’s truly spectacular. God Bless China.

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