A Contemporary Twist to Tuesday

So this weekend I broke the rules yet again and got some culture in the week by exploring the world of contemporary dance at Sadler's Wells.

I've always associated contemporary dance and even theatre as serious, distorted, confusing and if I'm honest a bit boring as there is no music. It was with slight trepidation, and let's face it probably bias, that I went to see the latest performance by the Forsythe Company. I was expecting to be bewildered for the entirety of the show, but that didn't happen.

The company was set up in 2005 and draws on the teachings of William Forsythe - acknowledged as one of the worlds leading contemporary choreographers. Their technique pushes the boundaries of ballet and transforms it into a 21st Century art form.

The performance was the UK premiere of Study #3 which was unveiled last year in Frankfurt. The performance included a variety of movements, music, words, crazy sound effects, but most importantly a very talented troupe of dancers.

Now what did i think of the performance? Well firstly i didn't realize that contemporary theatre could be funny. I was shocked when I heard people laughing, but as my friend Mandy told me that this is the norm with some contemporary routines.

The choreography in the first half was brilliant, but the second half at times felt a little over long, but this is by no means impacted on my enjoyment of the show. The vocal skills of the acts were also very impressive. Who knew we could use our vocal chords to create strange sound effects!

There were a few moves that reminded me of similar attempts that I'd tried unsuccessfully. My sister, I'm sure, will remember when I used to try and bend over backwards and touch the floor in every club we went to. 

Unfortunately gravity always won and I'd struggle to get off the ground. Every time I remember those moments I just think of Jim Carrey's line from Me, Myself and Irene "s/he's like origami s/he folds under pressure."

I'm still astounded at the ability and technique of the dancers, but it did make me realize that only in my dreams will I be as flexible as the dancers on stage.

If you want to have your perceptions of contemporary dance challenged then you've only got till Thursday 20th June to see the company action. Visit www.sadlerswells.com for information or to get your hands on tickets.

Food Glorious Food

So this weekend I explored my senses and tickled my taste buds at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

I'm a big fan of food and if there's any opportunity to try free samples... I'm there. Now I realise that this love of food or just generally eating anything edible will backfire in the future and I'll become obese, but until that day I'll continue to munch. 

The BBC Good Food Show has been held in Birmingham for many years and every year it grows in the number of visitors and exhibitors. Whether its large brands or local businesses you could try anything from duck burgers to divine chocolate wine. 

Several thimbles of gin and wine later I was satisfied that I'd nibbled on enough cheese, gorged on plenty of cake and burnt my mouth with curry sauce to know that I wouldn't need to eat for the rest of the weekend.

Aside from food there was also a garden show, much to the delight of my mother, where you could get your green fingers on a variety of flora and fauna - that's if you managed to dodge the fleets of mobility scooters.

The National Bee Keeping Association were also on hand to drum up support for the humble bumblebee. I even had a go at weaving a traditional basket to keep bees. I almost took out the eye of the teacher, but I managed to get the knack of it after a few attempts. Maybe basket weaving should be my new hobby?