Creative African Network profiles Patterns Beyond Traces
This mixed-abled dance theatre piece is set up in the emotional field outlined between tradition and urbanity: in a world between worlds. Tradition, belief, ritual and ritualised daily grind - five dancers with and without physical disabilities explore what has been passed on to them and reflect it within the ways of their own daily life.
The NYTimes reports on the new off-broadway show Fela!
“Fela!” is both a homage to Mr. Kuti’s creativity and a study of his persona, and it combines rump-shaking musical numbers with political monologues and supernatural plot twists. It features Sahr Ngaujah in the title role, a team of 13 dancers and a crack 10-piece band with members of Antibalas, a Brooklyn group that has made a name for itself as one of the premier recreators of Mr. Kuti’s music...[continue reading]
His videos are visual feasts and Ijo is no different. Shot in Lagos, the video is staged as an open audition with dancers putting forth their best moves forward.
SIJI - 'Ijo'(Official Video) from SIJI on Vimeo.
Creative African Network profiles Patterns Beyond Traces
This mixed-abled dance theatre piece is set up in the emotional field outlined between tradition and urbanity: in a world between worlds. Tradition, belief, ritual and ritualised daily grind - five dancers with and without physical disabilities explore what has been passed on to them and reflect it within the ways of their own daily life.
"...Nike’s centers aren’t classrooms. They are workshops where Nigerian artists and craftsmen ply their trades. There is no syllabus, no course of study. You decide what you would like to study or try, and then apprentice yourself to someone, or find a teacher. The textile artists, painters, sculptors, dancers and drummers are proud of their achievements and happy to share their knowledge with you..."
Andile Ndlovu is one of South Africa's most prominent young ballet dancers, an international performer and award winner both at home and overseas.
But for Ndlovu to be accepted into the rarefied world of classical dance -- which in South Africa is traditionally seen as an elitist and a predominantly white preserve -- the boy from the rough Soweto townships says he had to overcome outdated stereotypes."I used to be picked upon for the way I walk and the way I act or carry myself," he says of his time at school, where he became disparagingly known as "the dude who did ballet."
