Hip-Hop meets violin sounds

French choreographer Mourad Merzouki, who is known to break rules when it comes to Hip-Hop, created a dance production, fusing Hip-Hop movements with the sounds of a violin. On the occasion of Danse Dialogues, the Indo-French Festival of Contemporary Dance initiated by the French Embassy in India, Indian dancers from The Danceworx Repertory Company will present the second adaptation of Recital, in the city today.

Dancers rehearsing for Recital

"Recital was created in 1998 by Mourad Merzouki, who drew his inspiration from a Hip-Hop dancer who was a violinist, and would do B-Boying on the sound of violin. Inspired by the classical sound of the violin and adding humour to Hip-Hop movements, the production showcases a beautiful encounter of contemporary trends and a battle of tradition," says Ashley Lobo, founder, Danceworx Repertory Company.

Eight students from the dance company will execute this show that Lobo says "will bring forth a fresh and innovative outlook to the Hip-Hop style". He adds, "It transforms Hip-Hop dance into a mainstream art form, reviving its original social relevance. It beautifully blends the energy-charged Hip-Hop moves with a very sophisticated theatre culture," shares Lobo.

As far as the choreography is concerned, Lobo explains that since the production has been performed extensively around the world, Merzouki has a specific way of teaching young dancers the nuances of the show. "He started teaching the piece to young dancers (globally), who were foreign to Hip-Hop, in a process called Transmission. Keeping the structure of the piece same, there are many solos and duets that are laid out according to the dancers style and movement quality," says Lobo. He adds that since his dancers have a specific soft flowing quality, he tried to tap this skill for the show.