Supporting the next generation of choreographers in Wales

National Dance Company Wales is presenting three short, sharp pieces of dance from three up and coming choreographers as part of ‘Shorts | Byrion’ at its home, The Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, from 19 to 22 March.  These important new voices in dance will fill the stage with drama, dark comedy and clever design – all set to a mix of new music and classic hits.

Audiences will be treated to three performances across the span of just 90 minutes. Each is different from the last, making it the ideal event to share with friends or for those yet to experience live dance. 

The event features three distinct pieces by National Dance Company Wales dancer Faye Tan; performer, Welsh dance-maker and movement artist, Osian Meilir; and Leeds based chorographer, director and dancer, John-William Watson.

“Faye Tan, John-William Watson and Osian Meilir each shape their work from their
distinct perspectives. Over the last few years I have watched each carve a space for
their work in the United Kingdom. Shorts will share three works that embody their
unique artistic signatures.” 

Matthew Robinson, Recent NDCWales Artistic Director
who programmed Shorts | Byrion

‘Infinity Duet’ sees two dancers deal with weight and time in a warm, soulful duet that weaves together drawing and sculpture by local artist Cecile Johnson Soliz, dance from choreographer Faye Tan and sound by Cardiff-based composer Richard McReynolds in unique collaboration. Costumes printed with Cecile’s drawings and a large hanging paper sculpture take centre stage. The sculpture swings and moves with the dancers as they duck, weave and move with it.

“The audience can see something that isn’t just one person’s idea, or one person’s
vision but a collective vision of something that we’re all passionate about.”

Creator, Faye Tan on Infinity Duet.

“each of the individual elements is so rich in itself it’s really exciting to see how they all come together in a live moment in performance”
Richard McReynolds, Sound Designer 

In ‘UN3D’, by Welsh dance maker Osian Meilir, a trio dancers move perfectly together to music of The Police and Bjork. Described as ‘synchronised, silly and sublime’ the choreography is inspired by synchronised swimming, line-dancing and The Supremes.  First made in 2023, ‘UN3D’ explores the difference between moving in a synchronised way, and being mentally in-sync, championing human connection over timed perfection. The smooth moves, driving soundtrack and glittering costumes make this a really joyful watch.

"I’m really chuffed and excited to be able to rework and present UN3D once more. 

I had such fun creating the original for the companies 4x10 project and I hope audiences will have just as much fun watching."

Osian Meilir, choreographer UN3D

The third and final ‘Short’ is a dark comedy from John-William Watson, called ‘Hang in There, Baby’. Set during a new year’s office party this laugh-out-loud story gets increasingly surreal as the relentless monotony of office life dissolves into a ‘pac-man-esque nightmare’. Meticulous choreography, a cool set with stark lighting and a surreal script give ‘Hang in There, Baby’ a cinematic feel that makes it a great conversation starter.  Blending a sci-fi script, brilliant design and an original score by Adam Vincent Clarke, this funny and surprising dance urges you to hang on in there, no matter what.
 

“When this show premiered at Sadler’s Wells back in 2022 it was really a turning point for me. A moment of understanding for what kind of stories I want to tell, how I want to tell them, and what I want the folks watching to come away with. Because of this the work is truly near and dear to my heart, so I can’t bloomin’ wait to share it with a whole new group of dancers and new audiences!” 
Creator of Hang in There, Baby, John-William Watson


Shorts | Byrion by National Dance Company Wales will be at The Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 March.

BSL Friday 21 March, 7.30pm
BSL Interpreter: Cathryn McShane

Tickets £14, Concession £12 and Under 26s half price tickets.

Age suitability 12+