LINES Ballet People of the Forest Duet

The People of the Forest, a combined performance by Kings Lines Ballet (Artur Sultanov & Chiharu Shibata) and Nzamba Lela, a group of 16 musicians from the BaAka clan of the Central African Republic is touring the United States. It does not begin as sensationally as it concludes. Both the singing of the BaAka and Kings choreography seem to have a cumulative effect, pulling the audience in as they go along. When the curtain rises, the Pygmies sit at the back of the stage, both men and women wearing grass skirts and bells on their ankles. Before them, three women dressed in what looks like a pair of inverted white lampshades, dance. The dancing is lovely; the singing somewhat less so. Soon the dancers are joined by two men, one in Western dress; the second who dances with phenomenal physicality in a grass skirt. The disparate cultures are thus on display.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• lines ballet
• alonzo king
• contemporary ballet
• dance
• ballet
• pygmies
• Nzamba Lela
• BaAka
• people of the forest

[edenbach1]

incredibly stunning! I'm at a loss for words! the relationship between dance and music was absolutely breathtaking!!!!!

[wiliqueen]

Love the interdependence of the two characters, how they pass strength back and forth and support each other equally. Absolutely stunning.

[shincin]

you know i wasn't too into it at first, but the singing really captured my heart and the dancing was amazing. I think i fell in love.........

[Wolfesthane]

"The dancing is lovely; the singing somewhat less so." ??? They are both equally loveley to me. I don't understand as to what that means since the dance could not be appreciated to such a high degree without the musical support of the BaAka clan.

[edodosan]

Genius. I was not touched like this since Avatar. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mr. King.

[jac4510001]

Artur is the smallest mater of ballet at Lines, hes so good at it too

[TheBellaBallerina]

i absolutely love Artur!!! He is amazing! and TALL!!!! its nice to know there are some tall male dancers out there <3 he gives me hope of finding a partner :)

[tippietoes4ever]

That was such a profound piece.

The entire ballet with the Pygmy guest artists was amazing too. The choreography was fluid yet so unexpected. Alonzo King and his dancers are so creative, other companies just cannot compare.

[TheAlphaOmega78]

absolutely beautiful!!