Dada Masilo’s Swan Lake offers audiences a different experience
Egbert Gaye
When South African dancer and choreographer, Dada Masilo transforms into the heroine, Odette, and leads 14 dancers of Dance Factory Johannesburg on stage at Place des Arts in a presentation of the legendary ballet, Swan Lake, lovers of contemporary dance in Montreal will appreciate why audiences around the world see her as one of most dynamic forces on the international circuit today.
Pierre des Marais artistic director of DanseDanse, Montreal leading facilitators of the art-form, which will be introducing the company to Canada for the first time, says audiences will be experiencing “a different aesthetic.”
He says Dada Masilo’s decision to take traditional ballets and mix them with issues relevant to her environment is a daring challenge for any choreographer.
“Because Swan Lake is such a well-known ballet, her challenge was even greater, but her ability to hold on to the basics of the story while adding her own touch, made it a very successful project. And it’s one of the reasons we invited her to come and share the story with Montreal audiences.”
“We gave her one mandate: impress the public. Show them what you can do, we are certain that she will be successful.”
Thirty-year old Masilo grew up in the hardscrabble Soweto Township and found a way out to study classical and contemporary dance in Johannesburg.
She also trained PARTS, one of Europe’s most renowned schools of dance in Brussels.
Her creativity and tenacity soon propelled her to the top of the heap in contemporary dance in South Africa, where she rose to national prominence.
Masilo’s work with the Dance Factory Johannesburg, South Africa’s most prominent dance venue has earned her acclaim across Europe and around the world. She also produced two other classics, Romeo and Juliette as well as Carmen, in 2010.
DADA MASILO / DANCE FACTORY JOHANNESBURG
Swan Lake Dada Masilo at SALLE WILFRID PELLETIER,
January 14, 2016 – January 15, 2016 – January 16, 2016.
Starts at 8 p.m. TICKETS START AT $34. Holiday packages available.
