Murmuration: The Ice Dance Show That’s Not Cirque du Soleil

The below information is a combination of personal review, online sources, and a post-show artist talkback on April 26, 2024.

Murmuration by Le Patin Libre is the latest contemporary dance show on ice (and perhaps the only one) that’s been years in the making. Based in Montreal, Canada, the company employs skaters internationally from France, Poland, Sweden, the US, and beyond. Their skaters live in their home countries and only gather for rehearsals and presentations of Murmuration.

The Toronto performances were curated by Fall for Dance North in partnership with TO Live. Fall for Dance North is an annual festival celebrating local and international live dance each October. It is a “spin-off” of Fall for Dance in New York City. TO Live is the managing organization of three of Toronto’s most prominent theatre venues.

Using the fundamental concept of flocking in nature and specifically the murmuration of birds, Murmuration explores group mentality, solo venture, and isolation.

Presenter: Fall for Dance North

Presenting Partner: TO Live

Performance Location: Leaside Memorial Arena

Review

murmuration (n.) — a large group of birds, usually starlings, that all fly together and change direction together, or the act of birds doing this

In the ever-increasing call for contemporary dance in public spaces, Murmuration shows up as a unique one by placing itself in a community ice rink.

This is common practice for Cirque du Soleil and various On Icegalas, but Murmuration runs distinctly not in the vein of flashy, jazzy ice dance shows.

It is definitively contemporary dance on ice. What does that mean?

In this context, that means it's abstract, subtle, and interpretive.

So interpretive, actually, that someone in the audience linked it back to Soviet history during the post-show talkback.

One thing's for certain: the choreographers of Murmuration didn't want any typical "tricks" involved.

They explained that skaters who grow up in the world of organized sport have been conditioned to show off jazz hands for such-and-such gala or throw in a triple axel for so-and-so points.

(Similar to how competitive dancers are accustomed to performing certain "tricks" because it's what they were taught and what will also earn them high scores.)

The biggest challenge for them was to decondition all these conditions and find skaters who were willing to be open-minded to exploring choreography that wasn't so set.

Of course, there were still some recognizable jumps and spins in there -- you can't get rid of the basics -- but what the cast did come up with was an impressive, iridescent echo of birds in flight.

The animal kingdom presents some very unique flocking patterns. In geese migrations to warmer weather, the wind currents of the leader’s flapping provide support to the geese following behind, and their signature V-formation is the most aerodynamic shape to make use of this tactic. Not only that, but they take turns being the leader so no one goose is doing all the work.

Now imagine if humans came together more often in such an organized, supportive way. Perhaps we would be a more trusting bunch.

I believe Murmuration is a social commentary of the groups that divide us and the ones that bring us together. As the skaters fly apart and explore their boundaries and spin around each other in doubles, triples, quadruples – in one moment going so far as to literally kick shaved ice onto a lone target – the themes of isolation and group mentality are clear.

Just as humans have the “bystander effect” or social influence, that group mentality is not necessarily a positive one. It may not be a negative one, either. At what point does the group overcome the individual? Is it worth being the odd one out? Can group and individual co-exist within the bounds of society, or must one always trump the other in order to reach a consensus? These are some of the questions Murmuration presents.

The lighting is very unique. I imagine it’s not every day lighting designers get to create for ice. Oftentimes, though, the more unique the venue, the more we need to go back to the basics. LED lights were placed all around the rink, so that their beams created a grid-like image.

Fog was released at one point that hid the entire ice surface from view, and I felt a communal palpitation in the air as we wondered how the skaters managed to see each other from within (and they did, appearing and disappearing from within the fog like night-time owls).

The actual experience of attending Murmuration itself is also a talking point. FFDN prepared complimentary blankets for everyone. Trust me, it does get a bit chilly in there, especially since you’re perched quietly for the duration of the show. Hot chocolate was available in the lobby.

Choosing your seat is also something to consider. It’s worth getting there a bit earlier to pick a good vantage point; though, being an ice rink, it’s arguable there’s no bad vantage point. My friend and I ended up sitting at one of the far corners, where the rink curves around. It wasn’t bad, though we realized that most of the action occurred near the centre of the rink, so I think a seat near the middle of the long edge of the rink is preferable (the other side was closed).

I would definitely recommend Murmuration to anyone who’s looking to enjoy a unique ice skating show in a contemporary vein.

I’ve seen Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal before, and while it’s good, I understood what the creators meant when they talked about jazz hands and galas. Crystal is more of a showy piece, with a crystal clear storyline and separated acts.

As a contemporary dancer, I find myself more drawn to Murmuration. All else aside, it’s a prime example of where contemporary and modern dance is headed and how they can be combined with the arts of skating, circus, and “show biz.”

*All photos by Lonely Girl, Lonely World unless otherwise stated.