An endurance test has never looked quite so beautiful.
As a former elite acrobatic gymnast representing Britain, Lewis Walker is no stranger to perseverance and endurance. They are an emerging voice on the dance scene, having collaborated with the likes of BULLYACHE and currently resident at Studio Wayne McGregor — the London run is totally sold out. In their new work Bornsick, they go through extreme lengths to explore the impact of the learned movements and behaviours that come from dance and gymnastics.
As an audience we are eye-level to a black sprung floor that dominates the ornate Round Chapel, watching as Walker writhes in a pale latex blanket before the action kicks off. Restrained by the taught material, and with air perilously being sucked in and out through a vacuum, the embryonic Walker eventually breaks free from their prison, wriggling like a defenceless chick. The sense of vulnerability is especially palpable throughout the work, we always get the sense that there is some omnipotent being pushing Walker towards the next task of endurance.
An especially gruelling sequence sees Walker inch their way across the perimeter of the floor through drills. They drag their legs behind, scuttle about in a bridge, walk in a handstand — while unnerving to watch, Walker accomplishes each movement with aplomb. Walker has seemingly accepted the solitary monasticism of elite athletics, diligently executing back tucks over and over. The element of endurance makes for fascinating watching as Walker becomes more and more fatigued, digging deeper within themself for inner strength, we are always willing for them to make it through.
As Walker navigates a push for freedom in strobing lights and clubby beats — which look and feel astounding in the venue — the work edges slightly towards cliché. It’s certainly engrossing, but choreographically doesn’t entirely seem in opposition to what came before. However in a touching coda Walker manages to find a well-earned cathartic ending after the veritable performance marathon. There is no doubt that this is a maker with an artful eye. Walker’s manifesto is not without its flaws, the programme description is quite airy in its detailing of what they wish to interrogate in this work, yet it all indicates an artist who has a skill for making impactful performance. This is certainly a choreographer to watch.