Fusion - Central Hall - 4/3/09

With flashing lights, pulsing music, beating drums, and dancers clad in brilliant, skimpy technicolor costumes, Fusion is neither dance performance nor fashion show but rather an art display in motion. Miraculously, around 240 students from eight different societies came together to create a two-hour-long experience that whisks the audience to all corners of the globe, and to raise funds for the charity World Vision & Barnard’s Spring Hill School.

Although the acts are loosely connected through the wanderings of a gawking English tourist with a suitcase meandering around the stage, it is definitely the dancing and wild attire, rather than a plot, that take centre stage.

The music, style, and costumes change so quickly and dramatically from one dance number to the next that the show maintains momentum throughout. Acts range from ladies in evening dresses and fur coats, (including my personal favourite, the pale green mermaid gown) walking the stage to represent Moscow, to a hilariously stylised baseball game and hip-hop dancing to the remix of Bittersweet Symphony in between batters. If actual ball games were this entertaining, I would be far more likely to attend! Claire Harrison’s clever choreography is at its best in these theatrical productions, another brilliant example of which was a tuxedoed male dancer playing conductor to his orchestra; the female dancers surrounding him.

However, some numbers were less successful. Viewers can be assured of seeing plenty of skin, both male and female, but anyone actually interested in dancing will be bored while girls in fancy lingerie (that would never be found in the America it was supposed to represent) mill about the stage. The fashion show element worked better in some instances than others, with some “walks” oozing confidence and displaying the clothes to the best advantage, while others more closely resembled fashion models wandering backstage before their call. Even the Carnival scene meant to be Rio de Janeiro was at some points slow and resembled strolling more than strutting, despite the stunning and elaborate costumes, including a long iridescent green peacock-tail skirt tied around one dancer’s hips.

On the whole the dancing was impressive and showcased impressive student talent, skilfully incorporating multiple ability levels. York Samba provided an enlivening performance, and dance spanned the disciplines with deftness: impressive renditions of the Robot, headstands and back handsprings, and traditional ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. Many ‘cultural’ dances are also featured, with the South African men very nearly stealing the show with their stomping and slapping.

It is impossible to recount all of the colours and costumes, but even if you're indifferent about dance the fashion is sure to please. The exciting array included everything from a man wearing a salmon pink suit, a crisp white shirt and bowtie at the opening, to men in tapestry jackets and trousers and girls in flared tapestry baby-doll dresses with printed tights, to cute cocktail dresses, including a strapless raspberry with a bubble-hem tier in the skirt.

Overall the show is thoroughly enjoyable. The finale especially is unmissable: hundreds of performers pour out of the wings and through the audience, with energetic music and light evocative of a packed night club. With such a successful show, it is hard to believe that Sam McCormick and Ollie Tilney pulled it all together in the short space since Christmas. Fusion was a delight to watch; my only regret is that I wasn’t on stage joining in!

Fusion begins tonight! The final show is tomorrow, Friday 6th. Tickets are available on the door, but arrive early to avoid disapointment. Performances begin at 7.30pm.

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