Overview
How to make a knitted dishcloth can be a useful thing to know. Something much more worthwhile knowing however, is the fact that New Zealand has its very own comedy dance troupe. Dynamotion are a group of dactors (dancing actors — not to be confused with imposter doctors) who combine comedic storytelling with fearlessly dramatic dance routines. If you're picturing the eccentricity of '80s home workout videos, you're pretty on the mark. While Dynamotion don't take themselves — or dancing — too seriously, their footwork is polished and their storylines are witty and relevant.
It's no surprise that you'll find the name Thomas Sainsbury behind such a group, and since 2012 his knack for narrative comedy has been paired with the choreographic skills of Lara Liew — who also lends her talents to the contemporary water ballet company, The Wet Hot Beauties. Their high-energy ensemble is going full-flare for their next production and taking us back to the Disco Championship of 1979. The world's best disco dancers are hoping to shake their hips to glory, and have their name be the one that goes down in the sequined history books. If you've not yet had the pleasure of seeing comedic kick-ballchanges en masse, then groove your way along to the Basement Theatre between July 18 and 29. Dancer egos will be bruised, trophies will be won and disco will never have been taken so (un)seriously.
Image: Dynamotion