Melancholia
Rhythm and Emotion Collide in a Captivating Display of Movement and Sound
Reviewed by Brendan Daynes
Studio Stocks’ premiere production, Melancholia, is a triumphant and breathtaking fusion of rhythm, movement, and emotion. Under the direction of choreographer Garry Stocks, this production proves that tap dance, often seen as an art form from a bygone era, belongs front and centre as a powerful medium for storytelling and expression. Blending classical and contemporary styles, it delivers a performance that is both innovative and nostalgic, honouring tap’s rich roots while fearlessly pushing the genre into new territory. The result is a breath of fresh air—an invigorating revival of a classic form, reimagined with modern edge.
Rather than following a traditional narrative, the piece presents an abstract exploration of loss, pain, healing, and resilience, reflecting the company’s mission to use tap as a medium for exploring the human experience. Each of the ten pieces performed stood as its own evocative expression, yet together they formed a seamless journey through different emotions. The show’s cohesion showcased masterful choreography elegantly blending tap techniques with contemporary dance influences, creating a mesmerising spectacle of movement and rhythm.
The choreography was a fusion of classical, contemporary, and body percussion styles, woven together with precision and style. Organic and hypnotic rhythms drew the audience into the performance, with standout moments of canon and ensemble work where dancers moved in rounds, layering rhythmic phrases into a rich, polyphonic tapestry of sound. Seamless transitions between unison and counterpoint rhythms highlighted the performers’ technical mastery and tight teamwork. The accomplished cast—Bill Simpson, Claire Stubs, Garry Stocks, Jade Wood, Jayden Watson, Lucas Thomson, Paige Pote, and Tiarna Leigh—each brought individuality, personality, and undeniable talent to the stage, shining both as soloists and within synchronised ensemble pieces.
The music choices were inspired, creating an eclectic soundscape that spanned from minimalist contemporary compositions to inventive remixes of classic pieces. The juxtaposition of these musical styles highlighted the endless variety of places from which one might draw inspiration, perfectly complementing the choreography.
Lighting designer, Sidney Younger, crafted a design that was integral to the production, not only highlighting the dancers but also enhancing the mood of each piece. The use of side-lighting during certain sequences created striking silhouettes, highlighting the intricate footwork of the performers—a visual reminder that tap is as much a spectacle of sound as it is of movement.
Melancholia was more than a performance; it was a bold statement that the future of dance is vibrant, daring, and deeply moving. Tap, often viewed through the lens of nostalgia, was presented as something vital and contemporary—a living, breathing art form capable of exploring the full spectrum of human emotion. Beyond the spectacle, it carried a profound message: that tap dance, with its rich history and limitless potential, deserves its place in the broader landscape of the performing arts. Driven by its mission to push boundaries and explore the emotional depth of tap dance, Studio Stocks has crafted a captivating and entertaining debut that firmly establishes the company as a driving force in shaping the future of contemporary tap.
Melancholia played at Chapel Off Chapel from 13–15 February 2025. For more information on this producing or to learn more about Studio Stocks visit https://www.garrystocks.com/studio-stocks
