<BR><small>Stephen Hughes who appears on 10th January</small><P><BR>The time after Christmas and New Year is one of the most unloved periods in the calendar - cold weather, bills through the post, few if any parties and overall not a lot going on. However for London fans of contemporary dance there is always Resolution! to cheer us up. This remarkable festival shows some 100 companies in January and February on a basis of 3 per night, starting on Monday, January 7th.<P>The work from mainly young dancers and choreographers has a freshness and a variety that is unequalled. If you go frequently you will see a few duff ones as well, but with three on the programme you know that it won't last too long. And sometimes you see work to take your breath away.<P>CriticalDance is delighted to be working with The Place team to publicise this event which plays such a crucial role in the development of dance in this country. This is the 12th season and long may it continue!<P>For starters, here is the first weeks worth with more details to come shortly:<P>7 Jan: Carlson Dance Company, Stephanie Schober, Rosie Kay Dance Company<BR>8 Jan: Jenny Parrott, Lulu's Living Room, Compound Productions<BR>9 Jan: Cafe Reason, Steven Whinnery, Misnomer Dance Company<BR>10 Jan: Pretty Good Girl Dance Company, Stephen Hughes, Alicia Herrero Simon<BR>11 Jan. Stacked Wonky, Beth Cassani, dance group ra<BR>12 Jan: Lamat Dance, LUDWIG, Re:moves<BR>14 Jan: Dathe, MarioMoro/Andrew Downes, Skinworks/Lavori in Pelle<P>In his preview article below John Ashford, the Director of the festival and the Robin Howard Theatre at The Place gives some background and wisely refuses to give any hot tips. I will be less cautious and recommend 10th Jan which includes a work by Alicia Herrero Simon, a fine performer from the Henri Oguike Company. <P><BR><p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited January 06, 2002).]

<B>John Ashford, Theatre Director at The Place, talks about Resolution!</B> <BR> <BR><I>What is Resolution!?</I> <BR> <BR>Resolution! is a new year's season. I started at The Place in 1990 for shorter dances. Now it's Britain's biggest dance platform, and anyone in Europe can apply to be in it. <BR> <BR><I>So it's a kind of competition?</I> <BR> <BR>Not really - there are no prizes, beyond the chance to perform. But certainly the selection is very competitive. This year we can present less than half the British companies that applied, and just one in thirty of those from other European countries. <BR> <BR><I>Then it's very specialised?</I> <BR> <BR>Maybe. But amongst the Resolution! audiences many are seeing dance for the first time, and they are surprised by how much they enjoy it. Because there are three completely different dances each night, the chances are that at least one will really interest you - and probably a different one from the person sitting on your right, and different again from the person sitting on your left. <BR> <BR><I>What if you don't understand it?</I> <BR> <BR>There are two intervals at each Resolution! show when people talk to their friends and make new ones. Most have an opinion on what they have seen. Often people come up to me and say that they enjoyed it, but that they didn't understand it. <BR> <BR>They want me to suggest what I thought it was about, an authorised version. So I ask them if they got anything at all from the performance. And suddenly they are telling me these rich and complex stories that watching the dance has released in them. And I say: if you have your own story, then you've understood it. <BR> <BR><I>How do you choose who will be on?</I> <BR> <BR>By my judgement of their skill, imagination and resolve. Not by the dances themselves since they are rarely made before the point of selection. It's my belief that these chosen artists will truthfully reflect the way the world moves them, and that'll reveal something new about the way of the world now. <BR> <BR><I>How can you be so sure you are making the right choice?</I> <BR> <BR>Experience. Of being right last time, and just as much from being wrong. <BR> <BR><I>So this is the best dance around?</I> <BR> <BR>Best of the young bunch, yes. These are at the starting blocks. Some race on with company works that fill Queen Elizabeth Hall, win prizes and tour the world. <BR> <BR><I>Like who?</I> <BR> <BR>Wayne McGregor with Random Dance Company, Mark Murphy with V-TOL. Jasmin Vardimon and Protein were the two winners of last year's top choreography prize, the Jerwood Awards. This year's winners were Philipp Gehmacher and Liv Lorent. All these and many others danced first in Resolution! <BR> <BR><I>Will I see the equivalent new artists if I come?</I> <BR> <BR>Yes, guaranteed, if like me you come to the Robin Howard Theatre at The Place every single night for six weeks! <BR> <BR><I>OK. When should I come - any hot tips?</I> <BR> <BR>Of course not! It's a lucky dip, that's part of the fun. But Aerowaves companies from other European countries are showing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Take your pick. <P><p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited January 06, 2002).]

<B>Information about Resolution! at The Robin Howard Dance Theatre at The Place</B><P><BR>The Robin Howard Dance Theatre has 300 seats. Seating is unreserved and all seats have an unrestricted view of the stage. We offer a range of ticket prices with different degrees of flexibility. Each price is subject to availability, so book early to be sure to get the tickets you want. For every performance there are at least 20 tickets available at each price (including Standby). Prices range from a mere £5 for those booked at least a week in advance to £15 which also enables you to get a refund if you can't attend and other categories in between including concessionary standbys for £7 from half an hour before the performance. <P><BR>Address:17 Duke's Road, London WC1H 9PY<P><BR>Box Office: + 44 (0) 20 7387 0031<BR>Open: Mon - Fri, 10.30am - 8pm<BR>(6pm on days of no performance)<BR>Saturday, 12.00 - 8pm<BR>(6pm on days of no performance)<P><BR>Theatre Director: John Ashford<BR>Associate Director: Emma Gladstone<BR>Theatre Administrator: Colette Hansford<BR>Box Office Manager: Sudeep Basu<BR>Front of House Manager: Eira Gibson<BR>Technical Manager: Ian Brown<P>T. +44 (0) 20 7380 1268<BR>Fax: +44 (0) 20 7383 2003<BR>E-mail: placetheatre@easynet.co.uk<P>------------------------------------------------<P><BR>How to find us<BR>The Place is 2 minutes walk from Euston Station (Victoria and Northern lines), 6 minutes from King's Cross Station (Thameslink, Piccadilly, Victoria, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Circle lines) and 5 minutes from Russell Square (Piccadilly line)<P>Bus sevices nearby include<BR>10, 18, 30, 46, 68, 73, 91, 168, 188, 214, 253<P>

The groovy Resolution! website is up now:<P>Here is the link to the <A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/aboufrm.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Introduction to Resolution!</B></A><P>and here is the link to the <A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perflist.html#tonight" TARGET=_blank><B><BR>main calendar</B></A><P>There are various categories of companies in Resolution! which are explained below:<P><B>First Footing</B><BR>An open platform for younger choreographers making work in Britain who have not previously been in RESOLUTION! If the companies don't have any other label then they are in this category.<P><B>Evolution</B><BR>New work selected from those who have previously appeared in RESOLUTION! or SPRING LOADED.<P><B>Aerowaves</B><BR>Work selected from other European countries visiting London for the first time.<P><BR>I think I follow UK dance as close as most, but I remain amazed at the depth of knowledge that enables John Ashford to programme Resolution! Evenings in January that caught my eye include:<P> <P>Thursday 10th Jan. with <A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0110.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Alicia Herrero Simon with '1/4'</B></A> - a fine dancer from the Henri Oguike Dance Company. Plus pieces from Louis Barnett and Stephen Hughes.<P><BR> <P>Saturday 12th Jan. with <A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0112.html" TARGET=_blank><B>LUDWIG performing 'grub'.</B></A> A piece of dance and film with Antonia Grove and dancers Rafael Bonachela and Samantha Smith (Rambert Dance Company). Plus pieces from Robert Eugene and Carmen Vilches.<P> <P>Friday 25th Jan. with <A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0125.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Christopher Tudor Dance Company</B></A> Martin Lawrance, Amanda Weaver and Melanie Teall (some very fine performers) dance Hungarian Rock, Ligeti’s virtuoso harpsichord solo played live by David Gordon. The choreography is by Christopher Tudor. Plus pieces from Laroque Dance Company and Fleur Darkin Dance.<P>Also remember that on most Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights there will be an Aerowaves company from continental Europe and they have been through an exhaustive selection process.<P>Another way to tackle the question of what to see is simply to see whether you are in the mood for dance one evening and just turn up - it can often be the best way.<P><p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited January 07, 2002).]

<BR><small>Stephen Whinnery</small><P>The first few reviews from Resolution! are up on The Place website. Here are the direct links:<P><BR><A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0109.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Mon. 7 Jan</B></A> - Carlson Dance Company/Stephanie Schober/Rosie Kay Dance Company<P><BR><A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0108.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Tue. 8 Jan</B></A> - Jenny Parrot/Lulu's Living Room/Compound Productions<P><BR><A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0107.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Wed. 9 Jan</B></A> - Cafe Reason/Stephen Whinnery/Misnomer Dance Company<P><BR><p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited January 13, 2002).]

Stuart - it might be useful for everyone to know how those particular reviews got up there i.e. how is that these particular people were reviewing on a particular day. Just a point of interest!

Review in The Obsever (please scroll down)<P> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>The Place's Resolution! series, billed as new dance for a new year, brings in debutant companies and audiences on a random basis. Three slots each evening (until 16 February) are taken by performers presenting their own work, many for the first time in London. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P><A HREF="http://www.observer.co.uk/review/story/0,6903,631760,00.html" TARGET=_blank><B> MORE </B> </A><p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited January 13, 2002).]

Ben Felsenburg, the Editor of Resolution! Review has written a response to your query Emma:<P>*********************************<P>The pieces you'll find in the Listings and Review section of Resolution! Review <A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perffrm.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perffrm.html</A> come from the selected team of writers. These were drawn from the response to last autumn's adverts in Time Out and Juice, the widely-circulated magazine of The Place Dances Services. <BR> <BR>We were looking for strong opinions, an awareness of the reader's needs and good writing skills. We believe the resulting line-up is a challenging mix of journalistic talents and dance experience. Resolution! Review is supported by The Place but has full editorial independence. <BR> <BR>As to who covers which show: two writers are assigned to each evening. Other viewers can add to the choice of voices by e-mailing their responses into the Resolution!Review Feedback section <A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/feedfrm.html." TARGET=_blank>http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/feedfrm.html.</A> <BR> <BR>For more information, have a look under Resolution! Review: Latest News <A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/newsfrm.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/newsfrm.html</A> where you'll find the biographical details for the entire 14-strong line-up.<BR> <BR> <BR>Ben Felsenburg, Editor Resolution! Review <BR>

Thanks Ben - it's good to see that Rsolution becomes a platform of aspects of the dance including dance writing and criticism.

<BR><small>LUDWIG perform 'grub' by Antonia Grove</small><P>Here are the direct links to the next batch of reviews from Resolution! Alicia Herrero Simon's '1/4' and Antonio Groves' 'grub' seem to have gone well.<P><A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0110.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Thu 10 Jan:</B></A> Pretty Good Girl Dance Theatre/Stephen Hughes/ Alicia Herrero Simon<P><A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0111.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Fri 11 Jan:</B></A> Stacked Wonky/Beth Cassani/Dance Group Ra <P><A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0112.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Sat 12 Jan:</B></A> LUDWIG/Re: Moves/Lamas Dance <BR> <P><p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited January 17, 2002).]

<BR><small>Dathe in 'Me Against the Others' by Karen Feys</small><P>The next batch of Resolution! reviews from their dedicated website. To be honest, it doesn't sound like a vintage bunch of performances:<P><A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0114.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Mon 14 Jan</B></A>: <BR>Dathe/Mario Moro & Andrew Downes/Skinworks <P><A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0115.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Tue 15 Jan</B></A>: <BR>Dioden Dance/Kompani Helt Enkett/Anna Macdonald & Co <P><A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0116.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Wed 16 Jan</B></A>: <BR>Oliver Ellis/Lorena Otes/Celia Grannum <P><BR><p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited January 19, 2002).]

<BR><small>Kate Mason > Walled Up: closed off at one end</small><P><BR>The next group of reviews from Resolution! More plaudits this time:<P><A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0117.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Thu 17 Jan</B></A>: Kate Mason/OUT ON A LIMB/RAW Dance Company <P><A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0118.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Fri 18 Jan</B></A>: Kaisa Oinonen/FRONTLINE dance/Fracture Dance Theatre <P><A HREF="http://www.theplace.org.uk/res2002/html/perf/0119.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Sat 19 Jan</B></A>: Brazen Dance Theatre/Niklas Laustiola/"What If?" Dance Company <BR><p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited January 23, 2002).]

I'm going to Resolution! on Wednesday...will let you know what I think. <p>[This message has been edited by adwoa (edited February 04, 2002).]

John Ashford, Director of The Place, said on Monday evening that Wednesday promised to be good with the showing of some work previewed earlier in the week. I am sorry to be missing it.

Without doubt “Resolution ! 2002” is the place to go to look for new, undiscovered talent. Many dancers and performers have cut their teeth on an audience at this annual event before going on to achieve greatness. John Ashford, Director of The Place, knows how to spot talent and has promoted the careers of many dancers both special and successful: attributes that do not always go hand in hand. On a night like this, however, he is working pretty much blind and cannot give warranties as to the quality of the performances. The work will be new, the dancers unknown, and he may only have seen a snapshot of either on video. So it is exciting – will I be witness to greatness in the making? Inevitably, the audience contains many treasure hunters. In addition there is a strong presence of the dancers’ next of kin, which explains the huge rounds of applause accompanying pieces that seem to deserve only a B+ for effort. <P>On Monday the three works by three separate companies were connected by their take on everyday life and the common human experience. In “Sketchy” Girl/Boy Productions took us through the comical spectacle of a young couple fighting for the mirror whilst getting ready for work in the morning. A caretaker cleaned the stage, carefully walking around the cleaned area to avoid dirtying it, and then absent-mindedly walking straight across it to collect the mop he had forgotten. The comic effect was good, the dancers were perky, but the dancing was largely shoddy and untidy. Yet these young dancers showed promise in their acting ability and an awareness of how to put a piece of choreography together that would maintain the audience’s attention, if only for 20 minutes.<P>Inka Hella’s “No Time Wasted” performed by her and Sarah Christopher did not have the excuse of youthful promise: the duo is clearly not comprised of novice dancers. However, their piece did not improve on the comic effect of “Sketchy” and held little in the way of well-executed dance to provide distraction. So I expected a lot from Tanglolab’s “Of Becoming”. Unfortunately, Tanglolab seems bored with tango and, in attempting to (and I quote from the printed programme) “explore and challenge traditional performance of Tango as well as work with issues that are constantly emerging as the Tango keeps developing and spreading across different cultures,” the company forgot that the common theme in this dissemination has been the…well…tango. For those in the know, there were well concealed and veiled references to tango moves. A properly executed tango phrase, however, developed into whatever message was to be communicated, would probably have delivered the treasure an audience at The Place is looking for. Tangolab’s choreographer Bilijana Lipic is a graceful, sensuous mover and performer and I know she can really dance the tango brilliantly, in other circumstances. <P><BR><p>[This message has been edited by Emma Pegler (edited February 09, 2002).]