An Anarchy that Works

Review of ‘Tits and Teeth’ by Thick and Tight, Dance City Newcastle on 21st March.

“I don’t see why everyone likes me so much,” giggles Twiggy; 6ft tall, muscular, facing upstage. “I suppose I’m like most girls of 16.”

Tilt, shimmy, wink, pirouette - constantly switching gears between drag, mime, and technical dance, the level of detail in every single action is almost more than my eyes can keep up with. This is the finely crafted work of someone who knows exactly how to grab attention - and hold it.

That ‘someone’ is two people, Daniel Hay-Gordon and Eleanor Perry (Thick and Tight) whose approach to choreography incorporates both high and low art to investigate queer culture.

“Juxtaposition of things not ordinarily juxtaposed, produces in people a feeling of mirth.”

The series of vignettes ranges from Marlene Dietrich to Rasputin to Elaine Paige, and each one strikes a perfect balance of comedy, pathos, athleticism, character, and social commentary.

Harry Alexander’s Andy Warhol plays this balance most delicately, and expertly. Sexy, virtuosic Cunningham, twisting and shifting, with nervous gestures and innocent expression. I see a pitiful child, desperate to connect, to reach high enough to see over the garden wall. In a moment, a confident smoulder and perfect arabesque promenade, gliding across the surface of a lake.

Image by Rosie Powell.

Read the full review at danceartjournal: https://danceartjournal.com/2024/03/24/tits-and-teeth-by-thick-and-tight/