Maze, 2015
‘Laplane’s study in power and originality steals the show. Laplane is clearly a major talent in the making. Indeed, from a personal point of view, I found more originality in the muscular shapes of Maze than in some of the more traditional ballet set-pieces.’
The Herald
Maze was one of my first ventures into choreography and was originally a longer piece for four dancers ( two couples) on stage.
I was working with young dancers who had recently joined the company and I wanted to explore the idea of how young people have to make sense of things and each other, a bit like a puzzle. At the same time, it reflected my own process - as someone new to choreography I was also working things out and trying to make sense of things. The choreography is based on this idea of a puzzle of the dancers trying to fit together.
Maze (Autumn 2015)
Commission: Scottish Ballet, Autumn Season 2015, Triple Bill with Brian Arias and Javier de Frutos
Dancers: 4 dancers
Music: Road, Nick Cave &Warren Ellis / Cow,Crickets and Clay, Minilogue / The Long Walk Home at Midnight, Xela
Length: 15min
FILM VERSION
Commission: Scottish Ballet
Dancers: 2 dancers
Music: Xela The Long Walk Home at Midnight album For Frosty Mornings and Summer Nights
The film, shot in Govanhill Baths, is the final section of the longer piece, focusing on just one couple. The short film, a collaboration with film maker Eve McConnachie, was a Vimeo Staff Pick and won best screen dance short at the San Francisco Dance Film Festival 2016.
‘Watching Laplane’s work, I was reminded of the great Swedish choreographer, Mats Ek – which says everything you need to know about this young dancer’s potential.’
The Scotsman
Photography: