Windhoek
Contemporary dance might not be popular in Namibia as it is in other countries but some local dancers make it easy to appreciate and respect.
It is defined as a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. According to dance.about.com, contemporary dance is very interpretive in its barefoot, with pointe shoes, naked, fully clothed, and with or without music.
When it comes to contemporary dancing in Namibia, the first name that will come to mind would be dancers from the First Rain Dance Theatre (FRDT). This dancers believe that dancers should have freedom of movement, allowing their bodies to freely express their innermost feelings.
FRDT has been training dancers in contemporary dance for the last five years and will be bringing their expertise today to the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC). The FRDT team, headed by award-winning choreographer Haymich Olivier, and international dance sensation, Tulimelila Shityuwete, will give the public the opportunity to partake in basic contemporary dance tutorials, exploring the internal connection of mind, body and spirit through movement. This will be done through the introduction of basic contemporary dance techniques, contact improvisation, some basic choreographies as well as performances.
“Once the audience has a cocktail in hand we will start by showing the audience what we do in our training sessions. But this will be no ordinary class. Fusing ballet, African and contemporary dance with mathematical precision and exploding into the space we will give everyone a glimpse into the discipline, technique, artistry and athleticism that goes into our dance training,” says Shityuwete.
Because the FRDT team has hip-hop dancers, krumpers, kwaito dancers, b-boys and animators, they have the freedom to build that into their dances. “This means that we have the opportunity to be really creative, to use the skills of our amazing dancers and to be unique. But I don’t want to share too much, come and see for yourself. If you want to see Namibians being excellent at what they do then this show is for you. If you want to know what contemporary dance is then this show is for you. If you want to have a great night and experience something a little different then this show is for you,”she entices.
The event is at the FNCC Terrace tonight from seven O’clock (19h00). Entrance is N$ 70 for singles and N$ 120 for couples including a free drink.