Amélia

Colour, DVD
Canada, 2003, 60 min
Section: Dance for the Camera

Synopsis

Lauded as “pure virtuosity: abstract, exceptionally dense choreography,” the dazzling Montreal dance company La La La Human Steps premiered Amélia on stage in Prague in 2002. Here, director/choreographer Édouard Lock captures the essence of the work rather than documents it. His goal was to create a seamlessly flowing set of visual tableaux in a simple environment, altered only by lighting and camera angles. The maple-wood box set makes it seem as if the stage floor wraps itself around the dancers. Shot on super 16, the camera moved 360 degrees at times, necessitating some additional choreography to bring the dancers in and out of frame. The high-energy score for violin, cello, piano and voice combines evocative minimalism with lyrics from five of Lou Reed’s most famous songs for the Velvet Underground.

About the director

Édouard Lock (b. 1954, Casablanca) began working in dance at the age of nineteen. From 1975 to 1979, he created choreography for various Montreal dance companies. In 1980, he formed his own company, Lock-Danseurs, which went on to become the acclaimed La La La Human Steps. Recognized as one of the top choreographers in the world, Lock has received numerous honours for his exceptional works. His film directing debut, Amélia, was awarded Czech Crystal at the International Television Festival Goledn Prague and Grand Prize 2003 of the Montréal Arts Council.