Flesh Vessel (part of Dance X), at Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne

Companionship, care and fluidity of movement distinguish a compelling new work by choreographers and dancers Jayden Lewis Wall and Melissa Yvonne Pham.

Flesh Vessel is an appropriate title, as three bodies align and intersect throughout the 45-minute piece, which is an impactful, physical expression of self.

Against a stark background, a body covered in black (including a balaclava, dark glasses and long coat) stands on a pedestal and is met by two others.

Photos by Gianna Rizzo

They are also in black – one carrying the second.

All three become intertwined – first upright and then on the ground.

The synergy between them is noteworthy. It is as if one doesn’t exist without the others.

They communicate without a word being exchanged. It speaks of an association of thought and feeling.

One of the most striking elements of the piece is when the dancers loop arms and limbs. It generates of sense of tranquillity, understanding and respect. It is quite magical to watch.

Mind you the background sound (sound design is by Alisdair Macindoe) is discordant.

I read that as a meeting of minds being able to shut down the outside noise.

Perhaps that is a lesson to the world, as we know it today.

As the works evolves, the trio, including Nikki Tarling, strip off layers.

Once the first level of head covering is removed, there is a second. Later, that too is gone and full faces are visible for the first time.

It is as if the performers are removing any shackles to fully embrace their true selves.

They crawl and writhe on the ground, before letting their hair down (literally), finishing with their torsos exposed, in a vigorous display of openness.

Apart from the impressive exertion involved in the offering, Flesh Vessel highlights that Jayden Wall and Melissa Pham are choreographers to keep a close eye on.

They are innovators and disruptors, who look to take the art of dance in new directions.

Flesh Vessel is on at Fairfax Studio, at Arts Centre Melbourne, until 11^th October, as part of Dance X.

To find out more and to buy tickets, go to https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2025/seasons/tab/dancex-flesh-vessel