‘BOUND’ by Boss Dance Company marks the fifth anniversary since their founding in 2015 by Jordan Charles Herbert. With three sold out shows, this years collection didn’t disappoint. Through a fusion of hip hop, contemporary, and the latest on-trend commercial dance styles, audiences were spoilt (as promised) with a whole lot of ‘raw, strong, and bossy’ talent. Boss has always prided itself on providing the dance industry an opportunity for professional dancers to perform within the commercial realm, and that’s what audiences were given. The stamina, confidence, and creativity displayed was second to none.

When asked why he wanted to start Boss Dance Company, Jordan said his passion was to celebrate dancers for who they are. “I started Boss because I felt like there wasn’t anything like it in Australia, let alone Melbourne. I wanted to bring the intensity and dance quality you find in the States to our home here in Australia. Everyone is appreciated over in America for their dancing regardless of what size, shape or colour they are. I wanted to start to break the mould of what your typical commercial dancers are and bring attention to the dancing rather than what the person looks like”.

Unlike their previous shows where each routine had its own feel and style, BOUND had a running theme throughout. “This year I wanted to explore and tie everything together with a theme that everyone can connect to, but still be broad enough to encapsulate all things dance” explains Jordan. BOUND explores the adversities, challenges, and triumphs we encounter as humans and how individuals are bound to one another through the struggles and successes encountered in everyday life.

Held at Transit Dance, the atmosphere as soon as you entered was electric. Before the commencement of the show we were given an invitation to cheer, support, and use social media to film and share content. In doing this, a sense of community was created, allowing the audience to feel involved and included in the spirit of celebration. When asked why he promoted its use throughout the show, Jordan said “encouraging social media during the show is a great way to capture moments that you loved as an audience member. I’m all for being in the moment, no phones and all, but it’s also a great tool for getting the show out to the public and sharing what we love to do”.

Once the show started audiences weren’t left disappointed! The dynamics between hard-hitting commercial juxtaposed with heart-felt lyrical meant that you were kept on your toes, unsure of where the show would go next. It showcased the talent that Boss has amongst its diverse range of dancers. Everyone has their own individual flair, but when together create a cohesive, powerful group.

It’d be difficult to single out one piece as a stand alone favourite but their iconic number Fashion Culture choreographed by Jordan, (which had already gained a lot of traction from the video they created with Andrew J Liu and Pride Productions that you can watch here) was definitely a strong crowd favourite and a highlight of the show. Limitations, featuring Indigo Hunt with Alexandra Bircher, Emily-Maree Brazier, Lisa Herbert, and Clair Valerie, showcased the talent of strong female technical dancers. Their use of the physical elastic keeping them ‘bound’ together was an ingenious way to marry the theme of the show with the song title and the girls performance. This creative play on words and movement was only a glimpse of the innovative work Boss had to offer.

Jordan shared his vulnerable yet strong side when he performed his solo piece Stereotypes about gender fluidity. Quoted saying within the show “self expression comes from within… to be yourself and to express yourself, that’s what should be celebrated”, which further ties in what Boss stands for - celebrating everyone for who they are and what they all bring to the table. They managed to showcase the strength of female talent without losing the femininity; all the while the men, who still danced with masculine power, weren’t afraid of showing a softer, more feminine edge.

Perhaps it’s the love Boss has for dance, or maybe it’s the love that the audience has for them, but you couldn’t deny the energy felt throughout the night. The high intensity power and strength displayed during the show didn’t falter and it felt like the audience fed off the dynamics given by Boss, who in return gained momentum from the love and support shared by the audience. Jordan, whose aspiration was for “the audience to feel how we are feeling when we are dancing on stage”, managed to share the emotional journey between the dancers and the audience through the passion, performance, and personality of the Boss members.

By providing a platform and opportunity for dancers to perform and showcase their abilities, Boss Dance Company is paving the way for future artists to share their talents. Through exceptional commercial choreography, each individual performer is highlighted, along with their unique ‘bossy’ assets. If the standard of performances from Boss continue to match that of BOUND, Australian audiences have much to look forward to.