Botanica – Momix

Overview

American company Momix describe themselves as "dance illusionists". What exactly does that mean? You can find out when they perform Botanica at the Arts Centre.

The show, which first played in New York in 2009, is a stylised ode to nature, a trip through the four seasons represented by a series of visual set pieces crafted using movement performance, elaborate props, lush costumery, puppetry, projection and shadow theatre. Expect lots of billowing silk, abstract dance and New Age musical stylings, the emphasis heavily on spectacle.

While critics in America have criticised Botanica for not turning any new ground for the company, Momix haven't toured to Melbourne since 2003 (Opus Cactus) so their signature style is likely still fresh for local audiences. At the very least, a stage full of dancers in giant flower costumes might serve to remind us poor winter-stricken Melburnians what spring feels like.