A hypnotizing ballet is unfolding these days at the Mont-Royal arena, on the Plateau. Skaters from the Montreal company Patin Libre present their brand new show inspired by the flocks of birds that invade the sky at dusk.
The title of the show, Murmuring, refers to the phenomenon that can be observed with flocks of starlings or even under water with schools of sardines. In both cases, individuals move in groups and appear to dance in unison to mystify predators.
For more than 10 years, the phenomenon has fascinated Alexandre Hamel, co-founder of Patin Libre. “Looking at birds or schools of fish, we have an impression of perfect harmony and beauty. »
It is this harmony that the co-choreographer of Patin Libre wanted to reproduce on the icy surface of arenas around the world. To achieve this, the troop founded in 2005 recruited 15 skaters from 8 countries. “ Murmuring is our first ballet for a large ensemble, says Alexandre Hamel. Our other shows had more of the attitude and amplitude of a rock band. »
The choice of the word ballet is not accidental. These 15 gliding bodies with skates on their feet have nothing to envy of classical dancers in terms of grace and precision of movement.
Performed to very atmospheric original music which leaves plenty of room for the heady sound of the blades scraping the ice, the contemporary choreography of Patin Libre is performed with great intensity.
This moving mass moving in the same breath splits to better come together. The skaters get lost and find themselves in a very moving back and forth. They are sometimes injured birds that have fallen from the nest, sometimes birds of prey on the lookout seeking to bite off the most fragile of the flock. They fly with arms wide open, changing direction repeatedly, in flawless synchronism.
Living together
All the beauty of Murmuring is in this cohesion of the performers. There are certainly a few acrobatic feats that punctuate the show (spins, jumps and other axels), but it is the dreaminess of this danced chorus that impresses and touches the most.
The company’s dramaturgical approach is well established now, as is our way of being on the ice. Our technique is also more mastered. This show demands from the performers a total commitment of the body, the person and the emotion.
Alexandre Hamel, co-founder of Patin Libre
Beyond the natural phenomenon of murmur, the show opens up questions such as living together, the notion of individuality and collectivity, adds Alexandre Hamel. “Through movement we address themes such as harmony, war and peace. »
Murmuring marks the return of Patin Libre shows to Montreal after a four-year hiatus. The troupe has already presented this production in various European cities, including Venice, during an event outside the Dance Biennale. New York, Toulouse and Mulhouse, in particular, also hosted the show recently. The company will be in Toronto next week.
Murmuring is presented until April 21 at the Mont-Royal arena. Please note: the shows are followed by a dancing party on ice with the members of the troupe.
Visit the Patin Libre website
reference: www.lapresse.ca