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I love all things "old Eastern Europe." I don't know why, but I've always been drawn to them--the history surrounding Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, even Turkey. The mix of cultures in that part of the world--ancient Moorish, mountain tribal, half-Western half-Eastern, familiar sounds/music/words that aren't familiar at all--fascinates and captivates me. That's where my characters, Shahrukh Kingsley and a few others, come from; they provide an outlet for me to explore that part of the world, especially Turkey (some day, some day, sigh....).
Last night I went to see the Georgian National Ballet, SUKHISVILI. If they come to your area, try to catch it. They are just beautiful to watch, and not your grandmama's ballerinas.
It's very male-oriented, with action that rivals kungfu-movies without CGI ;-). The males perform stunts with real swords as they dance (a war folkdance). They are also probably the only male ballet dancers required to dance on pointe without the help of the traditional sliver of wood in the shoes.
This video captures the essense and excitement of what I saw last night. If some of the dancing seems sped up, it isn't. Their feet and jumps were really that fierce and fast. It was amazing to watch!
Wow, huh?
The costumes were just out of this world. The dancing and music itself reminded me of Susan Johnson's older Russian historicals (fierce mountain warlord and princes fighting at the borders), Chinese and Indian delicate hand moves, African tribal dancing, and oddly, Irish quick clogging. I was just mesmerized by the quick and powerful males contrasted by the very strange, ethereal, gliding movements of the female dancers. I was also reminded of MY GERRY BUTLER TV movie, Attila the Hun, which showed mountain warriors in similar costumes (especially during the wedding at the end).
I hope you get to see this show! I had really good seats and fell in love with a few of these marvelous young men ;-).
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Uber Dance Troupe
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4 comments:
This was totally awesome! Thank you so much for sharing. You're very lucky to have seen them in person. I'll make sure to keep my eye out for them.
I remember the Gerry Butler Attila the Hun movie! He was beautifullllll in that show, yummy!
I've heard of this dance company and will definitely see it if I get the chance!
Firecat,
Glad you enjoyed the video but live is better! They were soooo gooood!
Marisa,
I fell in love that night ;-).
That was cool, hope they come to the ATL area soon so I can see them in person.
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