Review: SCIMM Platforms Youth Dance Company presents DESOLATE

Founded in 2013 by joint Creative Directors, Scott Pokorny and Timothy Barnes, SCIMM’s Platforms Youth Dance Company has paved the way for young Melbourne technical dancers to channel their talent and passion. With their unique style fusing classical-based contemporary with a modern, commercial edge, Platforms Youth provides dynamic, high-quality contemporary dance works. Despite the difficulties and adversities that 2020 presented, the young dancers who performed in ‘Desolate’ proved how even with the upheaval that we all experienced last year, their love for dance never wavered. A testament to both Directors and the Professional Company of SCIMM, ‘Desolate’ was a show of finesse, skill, and determination.

SCIMM Platforms Youth Company performing ‘Phyllotaxis’ from their show ‘Desolate’. Photography by Lukas White.

‘Phyllotaxis’ choreographed by Cobie Kinnish, was the first piece of the night. Transporting us to a nature like state, the cellular growth and patterns of plants and similar organisms was explored through movement. It felt as if we were watching the development and evolution of life, accentuating the wonders of mitosis - the creation of living organisms and the life cycle that accompanies it. Ingenious choreography resonated throughout the piece and highlighted the exceptional talent of these company members. Not only their synchronicity but their precision, technique, strength and attention to detail. The minimal costuming further enhanced the raw talent of these dancers allowing us to appreciate the story being portrayed without unnecessary distraction.

Captivating us with her solo performance was Chloe Chung. Choreographed by Scott Pokorny, she showed us all how to work a high pony, with a flick of her hair highlighting her ease of movement. Her effortless floor work and seamless transitions were enviable, and the staccato movement enhanced her strength and control. Transitioning through to Bailey Glen’s piece ‘Editorial’, we were taken through the world of fashion, modelling and the transient movement that is rarely seen behind the lens. Nuances of Vogue and high fashion were evident throughout the piece, with the posing and formation hinting at the conformity that can be required within the fashion sphere.

Ashley Siketa’s musicality throughout her solo (choreographed by Tim Barnes) was a pleasure to watch and showcased her ability to isolate and localise her movement without compromising on expression or fluidity. Leading into ‘The Art Of Falling’ choreographed by Melissa Pham, we were on a journey of self exploration and connection - not only with ourselves but our surroundings and those around us too. Incorporating the younger members of the company, the piece showcased the undeniable talent that Platforms Youth Company has. The strength and versatility of its dancers who were also graceful and articulate with their movements. An audience’s delight, there was so much to watch and take in. No matter where you looked on the stage, there was something to stimulate the senses.

SCIMM Platforms Youth member Daisy Boo Allen performing in ‘Desolate’. Photography by Lukas White.

Before the first Act concluded we were entertained by the trio of Cosima Torres-Sturt, Chelsea Hewitt, and Amelie Piccinin with their impeccable musicality and technical ability. This was then followed by ‘Trauma’, the final piece to conclude the first Act. First performed at DanceSurance Ignite, the number was a crowd favourite and it was easy to see why. From the clean lines throughout, effortless pirouettes, passages of clever choreography and the synchronised duo of Daisy Boo Allen and Chloe Sismanis, there was something to appeal to everyone. If leaving us wanting more was the intention of the first Act, the Platforms Youth Dance Company certainly delivered. Act two took us through a world devoid of any human contact. Learning how to navigate the ‘desolate’ landscape, we all experienced a reality not too dissimilar to the world we lived through last year - social distancing, lack of physical contact and a sense of disconnect from one another, and even ourselves at times.

SCIMM Platforms Youth Dance Company members performing in ‘Desolate’. Photography by Lukas White.

Viewing the entirety of the company on stage, it’s difficult to comprehend that these talented dancers were all under 18 years of age. The trademark technical precision that SCIMM are renowned for was illustrated throughout the night, and with passion, determination and maturity beyond their years, these young dancers have a world of possibility in front of them. A perfect display of the work that Platforms Youth Dance Company create throughout the year, ‘Desolate’ was a show not to be missed. A credit to their mentors, teachers and educators, these hard-working dancers are a force to be reckoned with and we can’t wait to see where their journey’s will take them.