Under a dazzling chandelier in an intimately sized room in the Sydney Town Hall, wegathered to enjoy the polka chinata, a near-forgotten Italian dance from the Bolognaregion. Traditionally a courtship ritual, the dance has been revived by Italian creative artist Alessandro Sciarroni. At 20 minutes with no interval, it was a quick injection of energy on an otherwise unremarkable rainy day.
Originating from the 1900’s, this is a courtship dance performed by two male dancers –and Gianmaria Borzillo and Giovanfrancesco Giannini walked on to the floor with gravitas. The pulsating techno beat and strong rhythm created an energy that was palpable. The two dancers stood to one side of the dance floor, their disciplined stance formal and serious in tone. They raised their arms and connected, a mix of trepidation and desire that had everyone’s attention. They set off around the edges of the dance floor, gazing into each other’s eyes. With a few quick single twirls, a quiet comfort grew, and the audience relaxes into the performance. The polka chinata feels modern, relevant and universal.
Into the rhythm, the dancers continue. With knees locked, they embraced in dizzyingspins where trust became crucial. Exchanging concentrated looks, the dancers releasean occasional grin that reverberates through the room. They dance on, circling until eventually the music subsides, reduced to a single beat that also slowly dissipates. As the couple dance on, only the sound of their steps and their short, sharp breaths breakthe silence. We watch on, mesmerised by the evident physical intensity on display.
The whirlwind performance is over, and the dancers thoroughly deserve their standing ovation. A brief encore, this time the music is more jovial, the dancers are lighter andmore spirited. The polka chinata will not be forgotten anytime soon.
When:14–23 January
Where: Various locations in Sydney including Sydney Town Hall, Leichhardt Town Hall and Palm Grove Forecourt
Duration: 20 minutes (no interval)
To book tickets, visit: https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au
