HOW TO RELAX co-created by Alison Daley and Jenny Laiwint (Twin Spark Productions/SummerWorks) & DOLPHIN choreographed by Alyssa Martin (Rock Bottom Movement/SummerWorks). At Theatre Centre, BMO Incubator. Aug 5 at 1:30 pm, Aug 6 at 2:15 pm, Aug 7 at 9:45 pm, Aug 9 at 4:45 pm, Aug 11 at 5:30 pm, Aug 13 at 8:45 pm. Rating: NNN (Relax) NNNN (Dolphin).
This double bill pairs two young, vibrant dance companies offering funny, offbeat creations that nod to specific eras.
First up is How To Relax, a 25-minute homage to the 1980s and a burgeoning self-help movement. Presented as a guided meditation that also invokes the TV show 20 Minute Workout, five dancers clad in 80s workout apparel explore ways to overcome various anxieties through “psychotechniques.” Despite a repetitive quality as the voice-over runs through a list of techniques, each energetic performer brings a personal touch to the group performance.
Then Dolphin – a bizarre spoof of Gossip Girl – takes the stage. Fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate and pick up on many character details, but even if you’re out of the loop (like me), this over-the-top performance piece about the rivalry between two rich, popular girls is hilarious and captivating.
For 45 minutes, the entire cast throws themselves into creating an absurd world of teenage angst. There are even nods to other hit teen shows, like the Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) chant used as a mantra. Alyssa Martin imbues her choreography with endless energy and includes numerous styles of dance, and Kelsey Wilson’s multicoloured costumes make everything look extra fabulous.
