FOUR years after their Fringe debut, 2FaCeD DaNcE Company have undergone something of a transformation. The Hereford-based youth group always had energy and enthusiasm, but somewhere along the line, these boys have become men. The eight dancers who p
rowl on to the stage at the Udderbelly have filled out and shaped up, without losing any of their youthful eagerness.
Founded in 1999 by choreographer Tamsin Fitzgerald to keep the local lads out of trouble, 2FaCeD has a unique quality: not only do they know their way around an L-kick and other impressive breakdance moves, but Fitzgerald has also schooled them in the art of contemporary dance. A little resistant at first, the company has clearly embraced the style with two strong arms.
Now, the line where street dance stops and contemporary dance begins is distinctly blurred. They've also added Parkour (a form of free running) into the mix, giving an even more athletic edge.
Contemporary dance can be a hard sell to newcomers, but dressed up in a package like this, it's pretty much palatable to all. The choice of venue alone is a signal that these guys are ready to entertain the masses, having played more dance-focused theatres in the past.
Wearing smart black suits, before stripping down to white vests and then bare chests, it's easy to see why 2FaCeD are such a hit with teenage girls.
Yet looking good is only part of the package. The moments of tight unison set them apart from their former selves, as they leap, somersault and dive across the stage in perfect time. While the show really comes alive when they're dancing to beat-heavy dance music, they're equally at home with classical piano and pop.
There's still room for growth, but if the company continues to improve at this rate, they'll soon be a force to be reckoned with.
• Until 25 August. Today 4pm
The full article contains 328 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
