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Currently showing at Sydney's iconic State Theatre and swiftly moving through theatres around Australia, Ballet Revolución is a visual spectacle that engages audiences of all ages, genders and dance backgrounds; especially those with no dance background at all. Within 20 minutes into the production I found my toes twinkling along with the dancers as the energy of the music and movement engulfed the audience leading even the most uncoordinated of us wanting to book into dance classes – immediately.
Image appears courtesy of Ballet Revolución Facebook Profile
Unlike traditional ballets where dancers are made to look alike and there is a story or theme for the entire performance; Ballet Revolución focuses on the individual dancers and pairs them, their costumes and their movements to tracks you'll find in recent top 40 music charts. Some dancers have braids and dreadlocks flying about their shoulders. Others have their brunette Elvis styled quiffs tipped blonde, whilst others don tight traditional buns. Whatever takes their preference. Self expression within the confines of the performance is key. The joy each dancer appears to derive from performing is so evident through their exuberance that it appears they are so much at ease with the flow of their bodies movements that dancing takes no more effort than walking. When they dance, their spirits seem free. It is exhilarating to watch and you get taken along for the ride!
Image appears courtesy of Ballet Revolución Facebook Profile
The soundtrack includes tracks from Enrique Inglesias, Shakira and less conservative items such as traditional drumming all brought to you live by an amazingly energetic band that deserves a nod for their sheer versatility and stamina throughout the evening. It's amazing to hear the depth and breadth of their repertoire and considering they are inhaling smoke from the pumping smoke machine during large parts of the production their performance is even more impressive. During a drumming solo, congas player Luis engaged the audience getting them to attempt to clap to the beat. I use the word attempt in the best possible manner because as he repeated the rhythm he increased the tempo exponentially each time - until his hands were flying so fast that they almost appeared to stand still - no-one's hands, eyes or ears could keep up!
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Whilst watching the girls it became evident rather quickly as to whom the principal dancers were, more so than the males. One particular dancer caught my eye and demonstrated such stage presence that I could rarely drag my eyes away from her whenever she was on stage which was incidentally nearly every dance. Congratulations Jenny Sosa Martinez, you define the meaning of stage presence. My cohort agreed. There is a particular dance in the set comprising two couples and two chairs that absolutely blew me away with the sheer technical ability demonstrated whilst oozing sensuality. Ballet sexy? Who would have thought.
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Blending ballet, contemporary dance and chart-topping music has never been done as seamlessly as this production from Cuba's finest performers. Currently on tour around Australia and New Zealand is this company of top-notch performers. Don't worry if dance is 'not your thing'. The music, costumes, action and sheer adrenalin rush that comes with this show will have you thinking differently by the time the final curtain falls.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and run upwards of $47.90 (if buying in a pair) or which is quite inexpensive in the realm of dance. I highly recommend for anyone who has even the slightest interest in performing arts to view this visual spectacular for not only will it make you redefine the limits of your particular discipline (leading by example) but the sheer use of lighting, smoke, music and costume effects are sure to incite the creative juices. Well done Cuba for sending such a fine example of contemporary performance around the world. You're guaranteed to have a lot more people jumping on planes to Havana to try and get more of the passion and joy you give out in this production.
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Ballet Revolución is on tour around Australia and New Zealand throughout June, July & August 2013. Click
here for more information.