Multi-cultural mashups in motion
Divergent ideas and cultures merge and sometimes collide in dance offerings this fall. From Diavolo's fusion of architecture and motion to the Brazilian samba reggae, these cultural mashups serve to spur innovation as much as they define cultural identity.
The Atlanta Ballet holds off the start of its home season until December, but the dance scene isn’t slowing down. Here is a sampling of what’s to come.
Jacques Heim, a self-described "architect of motion," will bring Diavolo, his company of dancers, acrobats and gymnasts, to Georgia Tech (Sept. 20, Ferst Center for the Arts, www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu) to perform works that meld choreography with large architectural forms. "Fluid Infinities," built around a shiny white curved sculpture, will appear two weeks after its Hollywood Bowl premiere, the third in a trilogy of Los Angeles Philharmonic commissions. In "Transit Space," skateboard ramps and half-pipes create a world in which gravity, force and momentum play on performers as they cope with a constantly shifting environment.
Former New York City Ballet principal dancer Alexandre Proia will debut as The Georgia Ballet's new artistic director with "A Class Act: The Georgia Ballet Fall Gala." The evening will feature new choreography by Proia plus singing, tap dancing and dance on film (Sept. 20, Earl Smith Strand Theatre, www.georgiaballet.org).
Known for its unique blend of classical ballet with African and other ethnic dance influences, the Atlanta-based ensemble Ballethnic Dance Company will present "Elevate," its first fall repertoire concert in Atlanta since 2002 (Oct. 17-2o, Southwest Arts Center, www.ballethnic.org). Neoclassical works will range from co-artistic director Waverly Lucas' airy "Net Breezes" to former Dance Theatre of Harlem principal Mel Tomlinson's stark "Ballet Noir." To pulsating drums, Lucas' high-energy "Alonzo" will showcase dancers' athleticism in its first restaging since the 1996 Cultural Olympiad.
Balé Folclórico da Bahia is a 38-member troupe from Northeastern Brazil that celebrates traditions of Africa and Brazil with samba, capoeira and candomblé. Vivid costumes, driving rhythms and exuberant dancing are likely to have the audience stamping and clapping in the aisles (Nov. 1-2, Rialto Center for the Arts, www.rialtocenter.org).
