Red Bull Flying Bach

Rarely does a performance of the elegant music of 18th century composer Johann Sebastian Bach inspire rowdiness, cheers and whistles from the audience. Pair the music with the explosive, inspiring breakdancing of the international troupe, Flying Steps, at Red Bull Flying Bach and the audiences rumbles with life. Red Bull Flying Bach is an interpretation of Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier realised with seven B-boys and one Japanese ballerina dancer, Yui Kawaguchi. With a story device centred around a dance class, the performance jumps between classical and urban culture. Tension can run high, a comfortable peace is never reached, but the clash inspires sparks.

The energy of the dancers pulsates through the audience. It is hard not to feel the desire to whistle with joy and admiration as the dancers spin on their heads or keep their feet from the ground for considerable periods of time.

The story device offers the chance for allegiances with the characters. Or hatred towards them. Even in dance, domestic violence can be off-putting.

It is Yui Kawaguchi who really steals hearts. She never loses her grace, or strength, as she is pushed about and challenged by the boys. It is just a shame she doesn't get the opportunity to break loose and become her own B-girl.

State Theatre (finished)