It is not surprising ‘Intimacy’ received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Contemporary Dance at this year’s Australian Dance Awards. It is an exquisite and visceral work, blurring the boundaries of dance theatre’s form and content.
Michelle Ryan has danced since the age of four, storming the world with the likes of Meryl Tankard in her twenties, and more recently as a guest in Alain Platel’s ‘Les Ballets C de la B’. Alongside Michelle Ryan, ‘Intimacy’ is presented by Torque Show, a cross-disciplinary company founded in 2010 by Vincent Crowley, Ross Ganf and Ingrid Weisfelt.
The friendship of Michelle, Vincent and Ingrid stretching back decades is evident in this collaboration. At the peak of her dance career Michelle was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, however while that disability challenges her and inspires the work, ‘Intimacy’ is not defined by it. This shared history and connection of the artists forms an integral element of Michelle and Vincent’s compelling relationship onstage.
The set’s traverse seating arrangement leads audiences to feel immersed, as gentle participation opportunities open up as the characters unfold. As the performers make themselves vulnerable on stage, the audience are invited to do the same. Michelle’s humorously delivered text of surreal dream sequences is at once whimsical but dark, full of ritual symbolism about her body being cut up or roasted in the oven.Courtship ceremonies are acted out through dance and dialogue, with a live score provided by Lavender Vs Rose with Emma Bathgate’s ethereal voice to match her glittering silver gown.
‘Intimacy’ is a gently voyeuristic look into Michelle’s world, and a celebration of the passion, uncertainty, fear and tenderness that lies within. It is honest, provocative and deeply personal, leaving the lingering question of where the line between intimacy and dependency blurs, and what happens in that place.
