Please Don’t Catch Me When I Fall → Adelaide Fringe

PleaseDon’tCatchMeWhenIFall is a mesmeric contemporary dance work that explores the connective structures that exist in our lives. Developed over time through contact improvisation techniques, the work features two dancers, Cinzia Schincariol and Patrick O’Luanaigh. Decades apart in age, they dance through varied proximities to each other, resisting, surrendering and trusting these physical forces that dictate. 

Choreographed by Aimee Raitman, in collaboration with Melbourne-based company Co-Exist Collective, this work is meticulously crafted to construct a narrative that keeps the audience engaged. It is truly meditative watching these dancers at work. They begin pacing, ebbing and flowing around each other, resisting and succumbing to the pull of close proximity to someone. Movements so simple suddenly carry so much meaning in this context that Aimee has decided to explore. Then, there are displays of graceful strength whereby Patrick executes many unconventional lifts of Cinzia, before moving back into their individual rhythms. As the title suggests, there are also moments when gravity takes over, and we see them transition down and up off the floor. Merrick Craven’s score croons in our ears as the action unfolds, further establishing a trance-like state for all in the room. 

Even in the intimate setting, there are clever uses of coloured lighting hues and spots that add further depth to the work's exploration of the physical and personal forces that dictate our next moves. It is the rises and falls in the action that keep the audience transfixed on how Patrick and Cinzia will connect next, and what factors will dictate such. They too are at mercy of these forces, portraying a myriad of emotions on their faces- curiosity, determination, euphoria or uncertainty, a clever summary of our human experience is it not?

The work ends on a literal high as an exciting physical object forms and takes over the stage, and suddenly Cinzia and Patrick are inclined to play with a new force. As a choreographer, Aimee clearly has an assured vision for the work, having expertly shaped improvisational techniques into a deeply intentional piece. PleaseDon’tCatchMeWhenIFall sends you into a state of hypnotic reflection in a powerful meditation on gravity, proximity, and the delicate choreography of human connection. It is a show for all, no matter your experience with contemporary dance.