in threes by Half Second Echo is a contemporary dance show featuring works by Alison Daley, Miles Gosse, and Tracey Norman playing at the Al Green Theatre at the 2018 Toronto Fringe Festival.

The show consists of three parts, each tying into themes of communicating, listening, memory imbalances and tracing paths from where we’ve been to where we are now.

What I especially liked about “in threes,” was the constant motion of the dancers and the effortless way each piece flowed. There was no time to stop and think, and to me, the momentum of the movement  is what made this show so thrilling. I also thought the space was used incredibly well.

In the first piece, (an)other, choreographed by Tracey Norman, dancers Justine Comfort and Denise Solleza seemed to have an eternal presence with each other that I rarely see. Their movements were deliberate and sharp but also spoke emotional volumes.

If I were to describe the dancers in this show in one word it would be fearless. Whether it was hurling themselves through space, leaping over folding chairs or dancing blindfolded, these dancers are riveting to watch.

The second piece “The Feeling of Knowing,” choreographed by Miles Gosse was probably my favourite. I loved the contrast between the mathematical sounding music, the folding chair structures and the beautiful, soft, swift movements. It felt so fresh and compelling, I couldn’t look away.

The last piece takes an interactive spin and is very fun to watch. By the end of it you really get a sense of these dancers’ personalities and you feel apart of the whole experience. It’s nice to see contemporary dance not take itself too seriously, and this piece showed the light hearted, fun side of this dance form.

In threes is a refreshing, exciting contemporary dance show that’s fearlessly danced and beautifully choreographed. It’s also safe to say I will never look at a folding chair the same way again. Check it out at the 2018 Toronto Fringe Festival!

Details: 

• • in threes plays at the Al Green Theatre. (736 Bathurst St.)
  • Tickets are $13, including a $2 service charge. The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes and discounts for serious Fringers.
  • Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone (416-966-1062), from the Festival Box Office at Scadding Court (707 Dundas St. W.), and — if any remain — from the venue’s box office starting one hour before curtain.
  • This venue is barrier-free. Note that only certain building entrances are wheelchair-accessible. Accessible seating is in front of the front row.
  • Be aware that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and that latecomers are never admitted.

   

• Performances
  • Friday July 6th, 8:15 pm
  • Saturday July 7th, 3:30 pm
  • Sunday July 8th, 10:15 pm
  • Monday July 9th, 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday July 11th, 8:45 pm
  • Thursday July 12th, 9:15 pm
  • Saturday July 14th, 1:45 pm

Photo of Denis Solleza (left), Justine Comfort (right) by Craig Chambers.