Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, known for her visionary and rigorous dance creations, faced recent complaints of authoritarianism and bullying within her company, Rosas. However, she has apologized and promised a better future, with her new piece “Exit Above” reflecting a sense of hope and renewal. The work, referencing both Walter Benjamin and Shakespeare’s The Tempest, explores themes of chaos and movement, incorporating breakdancing and house dance elements.
Meanwhile, street dance collective Flawless celebrated their 20th anniversary with “Past, Present, Future,” showcasing their evolution as a group that helped popularize hip-hop dance. The performance featured original members alongside new additions, highlighting their impact on the dance world.
Ballet Black, founded by Cassa Pancho to provide space for black and brown dancers in ballet, presented their new program “Heroes,” featuring works by Sophie Laplane and Mthuthuzeli November that celebrate endurance and heroism. The company, with five new dancers, continues to push boundaries and offer diverse perspectives in the world of ballet.
Overall, these performances reflect the evolving landscape of contemporary dance, with artists like De Keersmaeker, Flawless, and Ballet Black pushing boundaries and expanding the definition of dance. Each performance, with its unique themes and styles, showcases the rich diversity and creativity present in the world of dance today.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
