Review: Big Time Miss (Fall For Dance North / Rock Bottom Movement)

World-premiering at the Fall for Dance North Festival, is Big Time Miss by Canada’s own Rock Bottom Movement, choreographed by Artistic Director Alyssa Martin. This work feels like watching Merce Cunningham on drugs—or maybe just finally letting his dancers feel something—sprinkled with a healthy dose of silliness and the occasional hip thrust. (Meant with all the respect in the world.)

This version of Rock Bottom Movement is more stripped-down than usual, showcasing the company’s range. The focus here is firmly on dance itself, a shift from some of their previous works that blend theater, sound, and film. I came in with high expectations, and the performance delivered—but in ways I didn’t quite expect.

While still infused with the absurdity and humor the company is known for, Big Time Miss explores themes of grief and loss. It is not a constant, heavy presence but rather an ongoing pulse, woven through different dancers’ stories. The piece is broken up with enough lighter moments to keep the audience from feeling too overwhelmed. I especially appreciated the program note from Martin, where she writes, “This work is entirely theirs, filled with their secrets and heartaches and impeccable jokes.” It feels like a touching blend of a love letter and therapy session from Martin to her dancers.

The dancers begin in tight blue unitards, which evolve throughout the performance into shades of green and mauve. The program notes that the costume concepts are by performer, Brayden Jamil Cairns, with costumes courtesy of the Patricia Beatty archives—a truly cool touch if Beatty’s work was repurposed here.

What I love about Martin’s choreography is her attention to detail—from subtle shakes to perfectly synchronized facial expressions, every element feels well crafted. On top of this, the choreography is athletic and precise, with sharp, angular gestures balanced by fluid, expansive movements that explore the body’s full potential. All of this is set to a perfectly suited original score by indie artists Semiah and Jacob Vanderham.

To help build connection with the audience, the dancers came out in costume before the show to greet the audience in a wholesome and welcoming way. It’s hard not to love the ensemble—they feel truly bonded, with a deep sense of trust between them. They bring so much of their own personality to the work. While every dancer had standout moments, I was particularly drawn to Steph Harkness this performance. Their solo, set to a remix of ‘Be Aggressive’, was a highlight of the performance for me.

Other memorable moments include the opening duet, where two dancers stumble and murmur through challenging lifts and choreography with humor. At one point, two dancers use an imaginary rope to pull down the stage lighting before playfully chastising the audience for not helping, offering a clever commentary on how grief is easier to manage with support. There’s also a Cabaret-inspired scene, complete with jazz hands, yet still fitting the overall mood of the show, and a full-stage mop sequence mid-performance, which I loved.

Before the performance, Martin appeared in a video preview, reassuring the audience that they had “no homework” coming into this piece and should take it in however they liked. I think that’s great advice and a reminder we all need from time to time.

Up next for FFDN is the world premiere of The Mars Project by Travis Knights & Lisa LaTouche with Tap Love Tour (October 4-6); and the Ontario premiere of Burn Baby, Burn by Guillaume Côté with Côté Danse. Ottawa’s Propeller Dance will also feature in the festival with the Toronto premiere of Waiting in the Wings No More (October 4-6). Additionally, FFDN is partnering with Citadel + Compagnie for the late-night series Night/Shift (October 3-5).

Be sure to check back on Sunday for my review of Burn Baby, Burn as I wrap up my experience with the festival—hope you'll follow along!

Big Time Miss, presented as part of the Fall for Dance North is playing at the Betty Oliphant Theatre (404 Jarvis St, Toronto, ON) until October 5th, 2024. Tickets cost between $15 and $25 and can be purchased online here. The Fall for Dance North Festival continues until October 6, 2024.

Ffdnorth.com
RockBottomMovement.com

Photo by Drew Berry.
Written by Deanne Kearney - DeanneKearney.com @deannekearney