Daniel Navarro Lorenzo

Title: DEPARTURE

Premiere: 2 Mar 2024 (Sat) 7.30pm - 9.00pm at Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre

5 Sennett Rd, Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Cultural Academy S(466781).

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Synopsis: DEPARTURE is a captivating dance creation that delves into the intricacies of human connections and chance encounters in the bustling atmosphere of an airport. Set against the backdrop of travelers waiting for their flights or rendezvous, the performance unfolds as a visual symphony of movement, emotion, and serendipity.

The stage is transformed into a dynamic space resembling an airport terminal, with minimalist yet evocative set design elements such as departure boards, seating areas, and luggage scattered about. As the audience is drawn into this transient world, they become immersed in the stories of the characters who traverse through it.

The dance piece begins with solo performances that echo the solitude and anticipation of individual travelers. Each dancer embodies a unique persona, reflecting the diverse array of people who pass through airports every day. Through fluid movements and expressive gestures, they convey a range of emotions – from excitement and anticipation to loneliness and introspection.

As the performance unfolds, chance encounters occur, sparking spontaneous connections between the characters. Strangers brush shoulders, share fleeting glances, and engage in brief yet meaningful interactions that transcend language barriers and cultural divides. These encounters are depicted through intricate duets and ensemble choreography, where the dancers seamlessly intertwine and separate, mirroring the ebb and flow of human connections.

Through moments of tenderness, joy, and vulnerability, DEPARTURE explores the universal themes of love, longing, and human connection. The dancers navigate the complexities of relationships – both fleeting and enduring – as they grapple with the transient nature of their interactions in the liminal space of the airport.

As the performance reaches its climax, the dancers converge in a breathtaking finale that celebrates the beauty and unpredictability of human connections. Against the backdrop of departure gates and bustling crowds, they come together in a powerful display of unity and solidarity, reminding us of the profound impact we can have on each other's lives, even in the briefest of encounters.

DEPARTURE is a poignant and visually stunning dance creation that invites audiences to reflect on the serendipitous moments that shape our lives and the profound connections that can be forged in the most unexpected of places. With its mesmerizing choreography and emotive storytelling, it leaves a lasting impression long after the final curtain falls, reminding us of the beauty and significance of every departure – both literal and metaphorical – in our journey through life.

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Dancers: Elizabeth Leong, Tan Yong Yan,Vienna Fiorella Anong and Shean Buligis.