Th��tre Les G�meaux, Sceaux, ParisOn one side, Europe; on the other, Algeria. The right hand plays the music of Ravel's Bolero, the left prefers the songs of Houria A�chi, a magnificent vector for traditional music south of the Mediterranean. A bridge is formed by the choreographer Abou Lagraa, the author of Nya (Trusting in Life, in Arabic), a work in two parts danced by 10 Algerian hip-hop artists. At the end of the show, first performed at the Lyon Dance Biennale, the two halves seemed to close like a book, containing two different, yet very similar pictures portraying a generation. Having launched their French tour, the troupe moved on to Paris.The stage is empty. Squares of pearl-grey light projected onto the backdrop and track suits for Bolero; a deep blue carpet hung up like a tapestry and sleeveless black lounge suits with blue lapels for the traditional section. The overall sobriety keeps us focused on essentials in a work connecting two worlds. The means deployed have all been carefully chosen: for instance, the dancers (all men) are bare-armed, adding a discreetly oriental touch to the western dress.For Bolero, Lagraa has invented a rhythmical, highly visual routine, rich in exciting counterpoint. Parallel lines and diagonals surge forward from the wings, turning into little circles at the front of the stage. The bodies punctuate the music, hip-hop commas inserted into the orchestral mass of Ravel's composition. The second part is simpler, A�chi's superb voice adding volume to the dancers' movements, which plot a subtle form of gymnastic calligraphy.In both cases Lagraa's contemporary choreography lifts the gesture of hip-hop to an unaccustomed intensity. Another language emerges, in which pirouettes and whirls possess the whole body.The densely packed mixture of tenderness and vitality also reflects the change of fortune for the dancers themselves. All self-taught, most of them were street performers until recently. Selected from among 400 applicants in January 2009 they now belong to the Contemporary Group at the Algiers National Ballet. The group established by Lagraa has given them a formal training and a living wage. Between Bolero and traditional Algerian music an identity is taking shape, with Nya as its envoy. This article originally appeared in Le MondeDanceParisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
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