Two rows of chairs face each other in the gloaming of a barely lit studio theatre.
The sold out auditorium crackles with anticipation and chats between friends who are meeting to see the performance.
The performers, all aged 60+ years as you’d gather from the company name, have worked together for a considerable time to create this dance piece from their own experiences under the direction of Jason Keenon-Smith. From the Q&A afterwards, we hear that this was not an easy passage but a remarkably rewarding and illuminating one.
This is a ballet not only of bodies but also of chairs being moved constantly which is at times equally fascinating. Sometimes the dancers move as an ensemble and at other times they observe, maybe making judgements or turning their backs from the edges of the space.
Direct speech and unintelligible sounds also form part of the soundscape of this performance as well as perfectly chosen music.
The dancers work as an ensemble as well as some performing solo, expressing innermost fears, trauma and joy. We are observing a deeply expanded view of what happens when we are waiting for something to happen – the betwixt time – which can be disturbing, deeply moving and utterly beautiful as the two female dancers touching and moving together bathed in a golden light.
For me the most moving piece of the show was the female dancer who wrapped herself, lovingly in different forms, in trousers which we know belonged to her deceased husband. The delicacy, beauty and grief was almost palatable. It is hard to believe that this could have been created in any other way but from the very heart of her being.
This is a purging deep from within and a breaking free in total joy leaving the audience with much to ruminate on in their journeys home. Three Score Dance are an inspiring company whose work I look forward to seeing in the future and that I am tempted to join; if I was brave enough and if they’d have me!
Venue: Jamie Watton Creative Space, South East Dance, Circus Street, Brighton
Date: Friday 15 May 2026
Times: 3pm and 7.30pm
