Dance review of Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker / Rosas – TUE 12 NOV 2024

by Sumi Xiaomei Cheng

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London.

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker’s EXIT ABOVE is unmistakably her work—rooted in her concept of “my walking is my dancing”. The choreography explores walking as both a primal motion and a metaphor for life’s journeys. The colour palette and geometric lines strongly evoke the aesthetics of Paul Klee, an influential early 20th-century artist known for his Cubist-inspired shapes and vibrant use of colour. This connection is explicitly referenced in the opening moments of the performance with the phrase “Ein Bild von Klee,” setting the tone for the visual and thematic structure of the piece.

Musically, the piece is deeply inspired by the blues, especially Robert Johnson’s Walking Blues. De Keersmaeker explained in the Q&A with Sir Alistair Spalding that blues often centres on loss—whether a lover leaving or the Mississippi Delta eroding. These themes resonate through the live music, performed by Meskerem Mees and Carlos Garbin, blending spoken word, guitars, mandolins, and a raw, intimate sound reminiscent of a band in a smoky bar.

The costumes, in contrast to the formal choreography, are streetwear-inspired, grounding the piece in contemporary realism, while simultaneously reminding of Paul Klee. The performance oscillates between structured movements and chaotic scenes of intimacy, sexuality, and raw emotion, creating a juxtaposition that sometimes feels uneven but undeniably visceral.

For me, EXIT ABOVE captures both De Keersmaeker’s timeless artistry and her bold willingness to experiment. The show seamlessly blends the raw, gritty energy of a club atmosphere with moments of profound introspection and themes of loss. This juxtaposition—enhanced by vibrant music and dynamic choreography—creates a sense of resilience and community that feels both modern and universal. The use of colour, structure, and repetition strongly echoes the aesthetics of Paul Klee, particularly his ability to balance darkness and vibrancy, as seen in works like Fish Magic. EXIT ABOVE is a thought-provoking piece that combines movement, music, and meaning: emotional depth layered in geometric precision.