By Yulia Tulegenova, culture and dance reviewer
Evgeniia Erofeeva is a choreographer who combines classical ballet, contemporary dance, and physical theatre to create captivating performances. Her works explore themes such as identity, relationships, and emotions in response to the social and cultural issues of our time.
One of her most acclaimed works is The Other Side, a duet dance piece that she created and performed with her partner, Riccardo Fruttaldo. The piece reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s lives and mental health. It uses movement, music, and spoken word to portray the isolation, anxiety, and hope that many people experienced during the lockdowns and social distancing measures.
The piece starts with Erofeeva and Fruttaldo standing on opposite sides of the stage, separated by a thin white line. This line symbolises the border between their personal spaces. They move in sync, but without touching, as they recite a poem that expresses their longing for connection and intimacy. They then break into a series of dynamic and fluid movements that contrast with the rigid and static line. They leap, spin, roll, and slide across the stage, sometimes coming close to the line, but never crossing it. They use gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact to communicate their emotions and desires, creating a sense of tension and anticipation.
The tone of the piece then changes from upbeat and rhythmic to slow and melancholic, as the music changes accordingly. Erofeeva and Fruttaldo move away from the line and curl up on the floor, as if in despair or exhaustion. They then slowly rise and approach each other, reaching out their hands, but still not touching. They repeat the poem, but this time with a different tone and meaning. They express their frustration, anger, and fear, as well as their resilience, courage, and hope. They then move closer and closer, until they finally touch and embrace, crossing the line that separated them. They end the piece with a tender and joyful kiss, as the lights fade and the music stops.
The piece is a powerful and moving expression of the human condition during the pandemic, and a testament to the strength and beauty of love and art. Erofeeva and Fruttaldo demonstrate remarkable chemistry and skill, as they execute complex and challenging movements with grace and precision. They also show great sensitivity and awareness, as they convey a range of emotions and nuances with their bodies and voices. The piece is a perfect example of Erofeeva’s choreographic vision and talent, as she creates a compelling and coherent narrative that engages and touches the audience.
Erofeeva has received many positive reviews and awards for her work, including the Outstanding Achievement in Dance at the UK in 2023. She has also been invited to perform and teach at various festivals and venues around the world, such as the Dance Umbrella Festival in Taiwan and the Dance Festival in South Korea. She is currently working on a new duet dance piece, titled The Edge, which will premiere in London in 2024.
Erofeeva is one of the most promising and exciting choreographers of modern dance today, and a rising star in the international dance scene. Her work is a reflection of her personal and artistic journey, as well as a response to the social and cultural issues of our time. She is a choreographer who knows how to create dance that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also meaningful and relevant. She is a choreographer who knows how to make dance that matters.