Avant Gardiste

On November 15 2014 Mourad Merzouki brought out his mix of virtuoso hiphop and cuttingedge digital projection an offering that will now be introduced to the Indian audience on December 16 The show is part of the 85th anniversary celebrations of Alliance Francaise de BombaymdashThe French Institute in India and the NCPA have brought Pixel by Compagnie Kaumlfig to mark it The show combines movement technology rhythm light and play in perfect harmony transposing you to another realm from a seat in the auditoriumThe show which has been performed in around 30 countries so far is the result of a collaboration between choreographer Merzouki Compagnie Kaumlfig and Adrien M and Claire B a digital arts company The performance uses 3D projection to give hiphop inspired movements a different dimensionMerzouki was all of 17 years old when he started learning acrobatics and martial arts in the eastern suburbs of Lyon He soon found that his love of the rhythmic yet strong physicality of hiphop movement persuaded him to fuse the two facilitated by the ease of a body trained in circus skills It has been a labour of love for him to ensure the dance form and technology are harmoniously blended and that one does not overpower the other ldquoI wanted to ensure that video didnrsquot play a gimmicky or superficial rolerdquo he says ldquoThe risk with video is that you end up with a show where you forget about the body and the dance because the medium can overpower the art from quickly For me it was a criteria that the video be at the service of the choreography and the dance Thatrsquos why I chose their work itrsquos quite pared down Itrsquos not a narrative video it sculpts a space in a very light way to make room for the body and the dance in the most appropriate wayrdquoAt times the choreographer prefers to only let the dance do the talking ldquoFrom time to time I remove the video completely so that the spectator isnrsquot suffocated or crushed by the image The strength of the dance its energy its generosity that I propose in the choreography eventually takes over and we get back to the essentials of the body Itrsquos always a question of dosage of balance the dance takes over if the balance is right If this virtual and impalpable world remains in the right place in the space in the relationship to the body and to the choreographyrdquo he saysFarrahnaz Irani Head International Music NCPA feels that the very fact that this art form is the marriage of two very different disciplines is what makes it more interesting than just a digital 3D show or just a hiphop performance ldquoPixel stages a seamless mix of hiphop dance with cuttingedge digital projection and is not just another dance performance but more of a platform that enables a crosscultural dialogue and celebrates creative expression We look forward to welcoming the audiences to witness this globally acclaimed cultural amalgamrdquo says IraniMeanwhile not content to rest on his laurels Kafig is already working on another project called La Danse des jeux The Dance of the Games a choreography that he is creating to celebrate the OlympicsMerzouki refuses to subscribe to the school of thought that a certain dance form should remain untouched ldquoThe point is to show the public and the artistes that even if you donrsquot have the same background you can bring different worlds together and thatrsquos what inspires me in every show I create to show that despite differences dialogue is possible and that surprises can happen with this type of artistic proposal In a way thatrsquos the aim of my artistic approachrdquo he assertsThe hiphop virtuoso style is a tough genre to bring together and Merzouki insists that his approach to it draws inspiration from various sources While the foundation of his unique style lies in traditional techniques Merzouki infuses in it elements from contemporary dance martial arts and even acrobatic circus skillsThis eclectic mix he shares allows him to create a dynamic and virtuosic style that goes beyond the boundaries of a single dance form ldquoWhile I am open to evolving with the times certain core elements remain constant in my work The exploration of diverse dance forms and the pursuit of virtuosity are timeless aspects that I strive to maintain At the same time I do draw inspiration from contemporary trends and societal shifts allowing my work to reflect the everchanging dynamics of the world around usrdquo says MerzoukiFurther not just audiences but Indian hiphop and contemporary dancers too will benefit from Kafig upcoming tour in Mumbai It is not just a performance but also opens up opportunities for them to be part of the troupe as Merzouki will also be holding auditions for those interested in the Nirvana Studio at Multicultural Hub in Andheri west from 10 am to 6 pmWHAT PIXEL virtuoso HipHop dance with digital 3D projectionWHEN December 16 630 PMWHERE NCPAPRICE TO BOOK Rs 500 onwards