photo by Helen Maybanks
Message In A Bottle is a new dance-theatre show from five-time Olivier Award nominee, Kate Prince and features the hits of 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting. A mix of dance styles- contemporary, jazz, hip-hop and more- tell the story of a migrant family and the obstacles they face.
Below, one of the show’s dancers, Lindon Barr, talks more about the dance styles you’ll see in this show and what makes Message in a Bottle such a unique production. Barr is also a British choreographer, lecturer, and the Artistic Director at his own award-winning hip hop dance company, Elementz Entertainment. His performance credits include the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, Jesus Christ Superstar, Thriller Live (West End), Some Like It Hip Hop and Into The Hoods: Remixed.
Message in a Bottle runs May 14th to May 19th at the Ensemble Arts Miller Theatre. Tickets here.
Q: Which styles of dance will we see in this show?
A: You will see a true fusion of different styles that come under the Street Dance/Hip Hop & Contemporary Dance umbrella. Some styles are presented in their raw forms and others are inspired by these styles and developed in a new way for the show. There is also lots of freestyle in the show where you get to see the dancers bring out their own individual styles. We have b-boys, ballet dancers and everything in between.
Q: What do you love about Message in a Bottle? Do you have a favorite scene or song?
A: I love getting to use all my dance experience and the styles I have trained in through my journey, especially Breaking & Contemporary to tell such an important story every night. My favorite number is the title track, ‘Message In A Bottle’ which comes at the end of Act 1 and is a very intense and impactful breaking piece.
Q: Why do you think the music of Sting works so well with the story in Message in a Bottle?
A: The way the music has been arranged and adapted really helps to push the story, we have no words just music and movement, so the music plays a huge part in the story telling of the show.
Q: Is there something that still amazes or surprises you at each performance of the show?
A: The energy we create on stage each night matched with the reaction from the audience is the truly amazing aspect of the show and something we are very lucky to experience every day. We have a rotating cast and get to perform to so many different people across the world, so this is something that always changes and surprises us. It’s an excellent reminder of why we do what we do!
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