SPECTACULAR SENEGAL DANCERS THRILL SAVANNAH

The exuberant and high-flying National Ballet of Senegal, with an electrifying spectacle of music and dance, held a capacity audience spellbound at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, last Saturday evening. A presentation of the Emancipation Support Committee, the programme at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Village was a fitting climax to its 2003 Emancipation celebrations. It attracted thousands of patrons of all ethnic groups and ages, all of whom showed true appreciation for the colourful spectacle. The premier traditional dance company of West Africa and veterans of 22 sold-out North American performances, the well-travelled company offered a magnificent adventure in total theatre. The work was characterised by high-energy choreography that soared above the stage, performed by dancers with unmatched physical gifts and discipline. An ensemble of drums and traditional instruments provided infectious musical accompaniment, the combined effect adding up to a kinetically explosive performance that transported the appreciative audience all the way across the continent to Senegal.

An international review of the company’s performance once referred to it as “a barefoot extravaganza, a celebratory maelstrom of stomping feet and percussive brilliance,”  while another raved: “A typical performance by this group can unstuff the stuffiest shirt. These ebullient dancers and musicians have dazzled thousands, presenting the traditional movement and music of their country in the most direct and heartfelt fashion imaginable.” In a buoyant show of accomplished singing, dancing and musical interludes, the programme was presented in two movements. The first brought the opening segment to a close and the other formed the basis of the second segment. It was learne that in order to create it and preserve their West African cultural heritage, members of the troupe travelled throughout their country learning the music and dances of Senegal’s fifteen diverse ethnic groups. The group’s stellar musicians performed on several traditional instruments including the tama or talking drum and the kora, a harp-like instrument with 21-strings and a resonating gourd. Founded in 1960 by poet and statesman Leopold Senghor, the first president of Senegal, the National Ballet of Senegal has presented and preserved the best of West African culture for over forty years. It is said that to become part of this esteemed company is the dream of the finest young dancers and singers of Senegal. Its works are meticulously choreographed, yet they are performed with spontaneity and a clear love of dance.

Supporting acts on the playbill were Jeune Agapes Choir under the direction of Lois Lewis and the Pamberi Steel Orchestra with guest performer, saxophonist Dawud Orr. Jeunes Agape opened with an interestingly innovative rendition of the national anthem, and later in the programme would earn loud cheers for its well-choreographed dance movements (as well as its vocal harmony) showcased in other offerings that included the late Merchant’s (Dennis Williams) well-loved composition, “Umbayayao.” Pamberi found itself the victim of a sound system that employed less than acceptable speakers for the purpose and insufficient and improper “miking” of the orchestra. The result was a discordant sound that robbed of impact the band’s obviously well rehearsed and prepared six-song repertoire. It should be mentioned here that show hosts of concerts of this kind ought to let the audience know the names of selections the artistes have chosen to perform, and never assume that patrons would be able to recognise all the choices. Show host on the occasion was Dara Healy.