Jim Smith, co-founder and producer of the DanceHouse contemporary dance series, describes Kafig Brasil as an antidote to the other shows that the series has presented this season. “The four shows this season have all had a dark and broody tone to them,” he said. “It’s a bit of a reflection of the world around us. There’s a bit more anxiety about safety and security.”
At last comes this show about movement for the sheer joy of it. “It’s highly athletic and energetic. They dance with audacity,” said Smith. “It’s gritty and natural – the joy of movement for the sake of movement.”
Combining elements of urban, street, hip-hop, and capoeira movement forms, Compagnie Kafig is made up of dancers from the favelas (slums) of Rio de Janiero. “They haven’t been trained as dancers all their lives; there is a rawness, [a] real talent,” said Smith. This background adds an element of authenticity to the show.
While there are some virtuosic acts and tricks in the show, it is not so much a circus format as it is a contemporary dance show involving specialized talents. The dancers use props, but these are used more to set the context than as gimmicks or as part of the choreography.
“You can sense that martial arts is a physical system that underlies the movement,” explained Smith. According to him, the different styles involved are ingredients that blend “like perfumes that swirl in the night. There are different essences that come together. There are no hard edges — the genres mix in a very natural way.”
The show features four different French choreographers in Anthony Egea, Céline Lefèvre, Octávio Nassur, and Denis Plassard, but it all comes together as one cohesive work. “You don’t see where one choreographer ends and another starts,” said Smith. “The range of choreographers makes for an interesting melange.”
Similarly, the soundtrack draws from a variety of sources. “There are a wide mix of influences; the sound design is very cleverly done,” explained Smith. “It’s nuanced and evolves around you.”
The genres of hip-hop and urban dance have undergone a recent evolution as they move from the street to the stage. These techniques have become more performative, evolving to include elements of contemporary dance and larger themes or messages conveyed through movement. “We’re seeing the evolution of hip-hop and street dance; these are now welcome forms of performance,” said Smith.
With such a diverse set of influences and talented group of dancers, Kafig Brasil is sure to be a stunning show.
Kafig Brasil will be presented April 10 to 11 at The Vancouver Playhouse. Speaking of Dance, a free public lecture, will take place April 7 at SFU Woodward’s. For more information, visit dancehouse.ca.
