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13 November 2007
For just one brief, electrifying hour, the talented cast of Life Of A B-Boy captivates the audience in a comedic yet tragic tale of the hardships endured by the three dancers. Each story begins entirely separate, but slowly, as the performance progresses, they intertwine; each one finding their calling in the vibrant, pulsating world of hip hop, specifically dancing. The show tells the story of three disadvantaged boys who turn to hip-hop in the hope to climb from rags to riches, from grey to gold. These bleak, soulful storylines carried the poignant characters throughout the performance, making for a truly moving, and entertaining show.
The set was, effectively, non-existent; this, however, was entirely irrelevant in the actual production. The lighting’s maximum potential was fully exploited, for both symbolic and dramatic effect. Although all that was present on the stage was the small DJ booth, three dancers and DJ, the space was filled with action and passion, each amazing display of raw talent rendering the audience speechless, capable only of applauding the jaunty poses punctured with powerful, break beats at a lightening pace. The audience were transported into the raving scene through the rhythmical, synchronized, almost disjointed movements which assured the club aura. The arcs of their nimble bodies slid across the stage to create incredibly dramatic contoured forms, with each transition achieved through remarkable movement. The robotic motion and interesting dance developments would be of appeal to any dance students or aspiring hip-hop dancers.
Included in the dance and plot of the production was an animated wit which kept the audience in high spirits until curtain fall. There was a rhythmical beauty about this dance production which truly uplifted and inspired the audience, despite the harsh realism of the tribulations they faced on their way to the top. Even with the staggering exhibits of dance, the show would not have been so moving without music. However, this integral part of the show was equally as powerful as the rest; the DJ flawlessly complemented the dancers, keeping the pace with a constant, pounding beat. Each and every movement perfectly supported by the music, the DJ at the back of the stage was hugely important, yet seemed to almost fade into the background, overpowered by the dancers. But, at the very end, the DJ took centre stage; in a breathtaking display of technology fused with passion and aptitude, the entire auditorium reverberated with the pulsating beat, ringing in everyone’s ears long after the show had finished.
The evening climaxed in a spectacular finale, followed by a long-awaited encore which the three performers, with the opportunity and freedom at last to embellish their forte, threw their hearts into. The performance was an amazing success, with people off their seats in appreciation for the show. Life Of A B’Boy’s cast managed to strike a bond with the young spectators, coupling their heart-touching true life stories with a true passion for hip-hop dancing. A sincerely inspirational show which will not soon be forgotten.
Nicole Gull and Charlotte Seager
13 November 2007 |