If anticipation were an art form, Circa would make artists of us all.
In an experiment with muscle and the limits of the body, Circa’s self-titled performance often comes to the edge, but rarely jumps.
The Australian company performed three of its most acclaimed acts in a continuous 90-minute set at Memorial Hall. The group will perform the chain of acrobatic feats again tonight.
Circa fuses modern dance with feats of intricate strength, creating an airy performance that feels grown up.
The seven company members show extreme power of mind and body, taking their time and meticulously building up to cliff-hanging stunts.
One went through a humorous set showing off his fingers before attempting three handstand feats. He balanced on 10 fingers, then six. He then held up his index fingers, preparing to hold himself up — but never did.
Elongating anticipation to grow suspense was reiterated almost constantly, but was not always followed through with a sigh-of-relief-worthy finish.
The notable exception came halfway through the show, when three male performers towered on each other’s shoulders.
After a moment for applause, the top acrobat slowly retreated, leaving a tower of two. From the wings ran another male, jumping to kick the tower’s base, and knocking the two into a designed topple.