ENB's Body & Soul Review: A Dazzling Dance of AI and Humanity at Sadler's Wells
English National Ballet's latest production, Body & Soul, currently captivating audiences at Sadler's Wells in London until March 28, presents a compelling double bill that juxtaposes the ambitious sci-fi vision of emerging choreographer Kameron N Saunders with the refined artistry of established master Crystal Pite. This performance delves into themes of technology, human connection, and emotional resonance, offering a rich tapestry of movement and meaning.
Kameron N Saunders' Proper Conduct: A Genre-Fluid Sci-Fi Fable
The headline news in this production is the major commission given to Kameron N Saunders, a choreographer known for his work with Taylor Swift and the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. His piece, Proper Conduct, marks a significant step in his early career, showcasing a high-concept dance that brims with innovative ideas. The first section unfolds as breezy ballet, reminiscent of Justin Peck's style, filled with saturated colours and a sunny atmosphere. However, Saunders quickly subverts expectations, pulling the rug from under the audience with a dramatic shift.
A sci-fi-voiced narrator introduces themes of societal decay, seamlessly transitioning into striking formations of nude-costumed conjoined dancers. These performers, who excel throughout the piece, create fleshy connections that are visually arresting. The narrative then escalates with the entrance of an army of AI robots, adorned in Daft Punk-style visors, delivering a visually impactful spectacle. The movement is genre-fluid, blending elements seamlessly, though it occasionally struggles to convey a clear message. Is the piece warning against those who dictate how to live, threatening to steal one's soul? Or is it critiquing big tech's false promises to solve problems while erasing humanity? While the meaning may be ambiguous, Saunders' ambition is undeniably admirable, promising more exciting work from this creative mind in the future.
Crystal Pite's Body and Soul (Part 1): Mastery of Order and Emotion
It is somewhat unfair to compare Saunders' nascent work with that of Crystal Pite, the other choreographer featured in this double bill. Pite is a highly established artist, renowned for her impeccable craft in composition, movement creation, and emotional depth. Body and Soul (Part 1), originally created for the Paris Opera Ballet, is built around a French text that describes directions and body parts. Through various permutations of dancers—whether in groups, duos, or as individuals versus the collective—these plain descriptions take on profound new meanings, exploring power dynamics and universal themes.
Pite consistently contrasts concord with discord, order with human messiness. Her choreography sees bodies oscillate between hunched, protective stances and long, stretched-out limbs, forming clear shapes with fluid transitions. She sculpts dancers en masse, creating rippling waves of movement before zooming in on an individual or couple to highlight emotional core. The English National Ballet dancers rise magnificently to this challenge, delivering performances that are both technically precise and deeply expressive.
This production at Sadler's Wells offers a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary issues through dance, blending futuristic elements with timeless human emotions. It is a must-see for ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike, showcasing the dynamic range of modern choreography.
