Float

Pleasance

Float is a show that leaves you so glad that you went even when leaving the house with a baby can feel like too much.

I arrived almost an hour “late”, but here’s the thing, it didn’t count because the show is three hours long. It has five flowing segments that loop round seamlessly so you can arrive and leave when you like and come and go as you please. 

Arriving was like falling into the arms of caring family. The staff at the doors welcomed me and baby, smiling and happy to see us. Someone took the pram and stowed it safely and someone gave me a run through of how the show worked and then walked in with me to find me a space on the floor, which all felt very lovely and calm.

Float is an experience of light and shimmer, of movement and dance accompanied by enchanting vocal instrumentals with music woven through it at times. 

In the dimmed space there is a central, transparent container of water which features as a focal point and which the babies are fascinatingly drawn towards at times. Above, there are four large triangular sequinsy sails which babies stare in wonder at. On the floor there are lots of, ridiculously comfortable, memory foam mats and beanbags in beautiful greens and blues, giving the impression of sitting on an ocean floor. You take a place on the floor but can move as you need to meet the needs of your baby.

At points throughout the performance warmed blankets are quietly brought around and offered and, if you want one, then pressed gently around your shoulders. Be warm. Be comfortable. Is the message. Which is probably why the mum on the next mat down dozed off beside her sleeping tiny one. The detail and comfort for the audience during this performance is outstanding.

Babies can lie, sit, crawl and be held as the changing light and sounds transfix them. The four dancer performers move gracefully around the audience of babies and carers with a mixture of joy and wonder which mirrors that of the tiny faces turned up towards them. Their dance movements are soft and surefooted as they interact gently with the babies while maintaining a beautiful dedication to their performance. 

The whole experience reminded me of a sort of long lost celebration of babies and mothers and other caregivers. It was as if you entered another realm which said “come, rest, relax, let your baby be, just as they are, you are why we are here. We hope you like what we have made for you”. 

Don’t underestimate the power of this performance to give you the added joy of watching your baby watching it and of following their gaze to see what is holding their attention. I spent a huge portion of the performance watching my baby as the light danced across their tiny astonished face. What a gift to be in a place designed for you to be so entirely present with your little one. 

Breastfeeding and bottle feeding during the performance are welcome and the full range of baby noises is expected and there is no judgement. There is a thoughtful breakout space outside the doors with similar comfortable cushions and mats so if you did want to come out with an unsettled baby, or give them a change of scene, then there is a lovely supported space to bring them. 

Never have I ever felt so at ease in a place with my baby other than at home. What a show and what an experience!

(Written by Briony Cruden)