Review-Bellydance Evolution-Desert Mermaids
23-11-12
By: Harry Oram
As I entered the foyer I immediately felt the energy of the attending audience. It was the most diverse audience in terms of age and ethnic mix I have seen at a HK show. Largely comprised of women, the aspiring belly dancers in the audience made themselves known by wearing tiaras; all were excited.
The announcer let us know the first performers were from Desert Mermaids, a local dance company presenting a mix of skilful contemporary dance with amusing moments of comedy. Some dancers dressed with shopping bags and others with dim sum – dancing along to a Chinese “char siu bao” song. Talented and entertaining, you are inclined to forgive them for the basic costumes and no backdrop as, after all, this is the preview to the main show.
The comedic announcer introduces the next section and explains that there was an online competition – the winners of which are featured in the show.
This part of the show began to get very interesting as the quality was elevated. The music throughout the evening ranged from classical Middle-Eastern, that one would associate with belly dancing, to something much more modern, with heavy drum and bass used in break dancing. The costumes matched this, ranging from very elegant and flowingly beautiful to exotic and just…cool.
But the main focus of the show is the dancing and that was superb. For those who haven’t seen any belly dancing, the traditional moves are there – some of the skill and control these women have between their neck to their hips is incredible and at times I was truly mesmerised (by the dancing…not just the girls!)
The modern “evolution” side they brought to their show incorporated some hip-hop and even pop-and-locking moves left me nodding my head in approval and I think I actually turned to a stranger next to me and said “wow, that’s cool.”
The actual “Dark Side of the Crown” did not begin until after the parade of featured dancers was complete. I struggled to find a pamphlet but luckily was able to learn that the main six performers do their best to include as much local talent as they can in their shows. They also offer classes so anyone wishing to learn should check out their website.
The official show began as the rear curtains went up and the costumes and music again transcended to another level. Now the stage was packed with dancers and magnificent costumes. Throughout the evening, the inclusion of so many dancers and so many beautiful costumes was truly impressive.
The only thing that I found obviously lacking was a decent set; and in my opinion, this affected the storyline. The story is clear but simple: a queen is murdered mysteriously and the priestess with her advisor must choose between the queen’s three daughters who is next in line for the throne.
The production does a wonderful job of staging; with very little set, the show relies heavily on costumes, light and music to change the tone and scenes. I felt the lack of a set was what was holding the show back from being something spectacular.
The six lead performers all have clearly defined characters that are expressed through their dance and personalities. All the ingredients are there; but I found the lack of a compelling story made the show more of a series of dance exhibitions with a common theme rather than a show that flowed easily and gripped my attention throughout.
Nevertheless, the choreography is impressive, especially for the number of dancers constantly featured. There was a moment of male-female dancing, which I wished there was more of, as that was beautiful to watch. The range and styles of dance were also very impressive and the show worked hard to make sure it didn’t seem repetitive, something again that I felt could have been achieved easily with a diverse set.
Comic elements were provided often – usually in the form of the male dancers who played the guards. These break dancers were a clear crowd favourite and I have never heard females in a Hong Kong audience ‘whoops’ like that!
The audience was magnificent and that also is a testament to the performers: everyone on that stage looked like they were loving it. They actively sought audience involvement and even went into the audience and got someone to dance in a number.
Live percussion was provided at times on the drums and included local drummers. One of the highlights for me was watching the producer / one of the lead dancers dance off to the drummer who challenged her to a “how fast can you shake it” beat and it was phenomenal seeing her do her thang so skilfully – belly dancing at its best.
I really had an enjoyable evening and to the majority of the audience who cared not for the story or the set but came for the dance, they loved it. I joined them in standing and clapping along for the final number. It was difficult to find anyone in the theatre at the end of the show who was not enjoying themselves.
Bellydance Evolution was a one time performance. For more information on it please click here.
Comments
Belly Maestro
Check out www.bellydanceevolution.com website and you'll see the show can be seen again next (year) in Vienna/Madrid in February and Japan in March. Way to go!
23 November 2012Suzette Ackermann
For more info. on Belly Dance evolution please also visit their website; www.bellydanceevolution.com
27 November 2012