Our lives revolve around perpetual cycles. From our birth to death, we experience the ceaseless rotation of day and night, the rhythmic change of seasons, and the repetition of our daily routines. Circles are a fundamental part of our existence.

But what deeper significance do these circles hold in our lives? Are we entrapped within these endless loops, yearning for an escape from this confined orbit? This concept mirrors our modern lives: a relentless whirlpool, a labyrinth with no apparent exit, direction, or conclusion. Amidst this, we wonder, “Where does the right path lie?”

Yet, as Pythagoras observed, the circle is the epitome of perfection, encompassing all, with everything originating from it. It represents a harmonious flow of energy, unobstructed and continuous, a repository of all knowledge and events. In the circle, everything is interconnected, endlessly looping within and around each other. In Tibetan culture, the circle is not just a shape but a vital symbol central to daily life. They encircle mountains, lakes, and pagodas with their prayer wheels, not as a monotonous ritual, but as an act of profound revelation and spiritual rebirth, symbolising the interconnectedness of cause and effect. Each rotation signifies not just repetition, but perpetual motion, evolution, and a spiralling progression towards spiritual transformation and renewal. Is the circle a symbol of a wearisome, unending cycle, or does it represent a path to awakening and self-reflection? This performance is an exploration of this paradox, a journey of self-discovery and redemption. It delves into our contradictory perceptions of life, growth, and transformation.

IN THE ROUND explores the universal symbolism of circles, a theme intrinsic to human existence manifesting in daily cycles, the seasons, that extends into the ebb and flow of relationships and life stages. YUCCA DANCE merge Chinese and Western contemporary dance, challenging traditional storytelling by interweaving personal, often untold stories with a rich body of cultural, spiritual, and philosophical influences to explore these perpetual loops and their deeper meanings. Inspired by figures from Pythagoras to Tibetan traditions, set to music by Japanese art-pop duo dip in the pool, the show integrates dance, film, and multilingual audio interviews to facilitate a cross-cultural dialogue on the symbolism of circles across the globe.

Selected for the 2024 Dance Base Scratch Night by Shotput Theatre, "In the Round" received highly positive feedback during its developmental stage and initial performance. 

After receiving financial backing from the Keep It Fringe fund and a successful crowdfunding campaign, YUCCA DANCE were able to stage In the Round at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at Greenside Venues. With sell-out audiences far surpassing the average Fringe show attendance the show garnered 4-star reviews from The Scotsman and All Edinburgh Theatre. 

This May, 2025, YUCCA DANCE returns to Luca's hometown of Crediton to perform at the Crediton Arts Centre. Tickets are available here.