Dance
53.1:7l'ithe:Festival movers and shakers in town danceoiist.co.uk
Hit * FESTIVAL DANCE
‘Any problem in the world can be solved by dancing’ — James Brown
The dank. cavernous interior of the Baby Belly may seem an incongruous backdrop to this journey through African music and dance. But the ten performers easily succeed in transforming the space into a joyous carnival of sound and rhythm with their incredible vitality. The show encompasses traditional and contemporary numbers. originating from cultures that traverse the length and breadth of the continent. ‘Why are these people not smiling?’ the performers cheekin ask after the opening number. before reaching out with
every fibre to fully infect even the dourest
audience member with their joie de vivre.
(Allan Radcliffe)
>E= Scottish Ballet dances Balanchine Our national ballet company returns to the International Festival after a 20- year hiatus. performing three powerful works by 20th century legend, George Balanchine. See 5 questions, left, and preview. Edinburgh Playhouse, 473 2000, 26 8 27 Aug, 7.30pm; 28 Aug, 4pm, 27—238.
:3: Dutch National Ballet A triple-bill of crowd-pleasing works from one of Europe‘s finest ballet companies. See feature, page 87. Edinburgh Playhouse, 473 2000, 7 -3 Sep, 7.30pm, E7—E38. >3: Scottish Dance Theatre This dynamic young company (pictured) just keeps getting better and better, and Liv Lorent's sensual piece Luxuria is one of the finest pieces of dance-theatre you‘ll see all Fringe. See review. Souths/d9, 226 0000, until 28 Aug, 77.303m, £7 (£5).
Sans Three men, one bare stage and a whole lot of lively dance, as Aurora Nova welcomes France's Compagnie Martine Pisani for the last week of the Fringe. Aurora Nova, 558 3853, until 29 Aug, 1.45pm, £72.50 (£9).
=2: Venezuela Viva: A Flamenco Fantasy A potted history of Venezuela wrapped up
Scottish Ballet’s artistic director Ashley Page looks forward to playing the Edinburgh International Festival.
5 reasons why we should go and see Scottish Ballet’s George Balanchine programme.
The EIF programme is really exciting. with well balanced examples of Balanchine's work. The company is incredibly fit and the dancing the best it has ever been — the Festival performances are a great illustration of just how far we have come.
4 words that describe Balanchine’s style
Lean. musical, revolutionary. timeless.
3 reasons why playing the Festival is so important
It's a fantastic opportunity for Wide-spread exposure. The prestige of performing at one of the world's most exciting arts festivals is huge. and being invited to perform is a real acknowle<lgement of Scottish Ballet achievements.
2 other shows you hope to see in Edinburgh this August
Scottish Opera's The Death of Klingholfer and the Paula Rego exhibition at the Talbot Rice Gallery.
1 thing you’re most proud of about the new-look Scottish Ballet The company's open-minded approach to each successive challenge. which has enabled us to move forward so quickly.
I Edinburgh Playhouse, 473 2000, 26 8 27 Aug, 7.30pm; 28 Aug, 4pm,
f .‘ 7—138.
86 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 95> Aug 8 Sep 2005)
in Latino-style flamenco, from this stunning group of dancers and musicians. P/easance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 28 Aug, 5. 70pm, {39—270 (87. 50—28. 50). Yin-Yang Breathtaking martial arts coupled with graceful dance and live art. Korean company Mu Mu harness the power of nature in this exciting new show. George Square Theatre, 662 8740, until 28 Aug, 7.30pm, £77 (27-29).