Murmuration Level 2 review mesmerising dance multiplies in tutting fractal forms

"It has been scientifically proven that we get pleasure from seeing bodies sync up, and French choreographer Sadeck Berrabah's show, Murmuration Level 2, is on point when it comes to this. The show's title refers to the mesmerising, morphing formations of flying birds, whole flocks coordinated seemingly by instinct. In this show, nothing has been left to instinct and these dancers have been drilled within an inch of their lives, creating intricate moving patterns."

"When an arm hits a 90 degree angle, it's not 89, or 91, but bang on 90, all 30 dancers at exactly the same time. This is technically very impressive. Berrabah got his break with a viral YouTube video and has gone on to work for pop acts such as Shakira and Black Eyed Peas. You can see how his style would be so eye-catching in short-form video. You could imagine him on Britain's Got Talent."

"The challenge, not quite met, is how to take this cool effect and keep it interesting for 75 minutes. Meanwhile, the soundtrack of continuous dancey, chill out-y loops, is like a bed; background music. Not enough to carry the show. Later on Berrabah conducts the group, his own hands deftly moving as if doing close-up magic with invisible props. He gets some audience participation going and he's funny, charming, good company; the personality that has been lacking."

Murmuration Level 2 delivers visually striking, highly synchronized tutting that exploits exact geometric arm and hand positions to create complex, shifting patterns. Dancers perform with precise timing, achieving identical 90-degree angles across a cast of thirty to form a physical fractal. Costuming isolates forearms and hands, amplifying the tutting lines. The soundtrack relies on continuous dancey, chill-out loops that function as background and insufficiently sustains a 75-minute runtime. The production's best moments arrive when tempo and beat intensify, prompting visible smiles. The choreographer conducts and engages the audience, adding charm and personality that complements the technical spectacle.

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