| Show Ballet Highly Energized By Rhonda Watkins S Staff Writer Exuberance is the word one would use in describing the Ballet National Du Se Senegal sponsored by the Utah Symphony T Their performance was characterized by high-energy high choreography that soared above the stage performance by dancers with unmatched physical gifts and discipline In addition there was an infectious feeling of joy that filled Abravanel Hall Tuesday February 28 Ballet National Du Senegal is a premiere dance company of 35 dancers that perform the traditional dances of West Africa These dancers were exceptionally exceptionally exceptionally ex ex- ex- ex beautiful and were not only presenting a dance but also sharing their culture and traditions with the audience who seemed to be totally mesmerized mesmerized mes mes- by the brightly colored costumes the graceful passionate move move- movements men ments s and the soul stirring music on handmade instruments The beat of the drums wooed listeners into distant lands and stirred stored ethnic feelings created by spirit of Africa Directed by Bouly Sonko this is the group founded by poet and national leader Leopold Senghor in 1960 the year of Senegal's independence This group has been acclaimed wo worldwide including 20 sold out tours to North America is a West African tribal word that refers to the spiritual nature of all beings and things Each dance in the program whether telling a story or celebrating a movement ment or musical form explores the spiritual relationship between man and his environment They performed bers such several different numbers numbers num- num as Keme Song Faye Die nab a Song Stilts Masks The Yella and more told stories in music d dance acrobatics and d drums ms in a high-energy high performances ti I. I t a |
