Contributory

Rhythm & dance

Tapping feet, song and rhythm from the world A cross-cultural experience where dancers
and percussionists from different traditions come together on stage to challenge
each other as well as to trade rhythms, song and steps. Since the beginning of time, man
has used his voice, hands and feets to create emotional outbursts.
Moulded through centuries these expressions took the shape of mesmerizing dance
rituals. The project aims to show the spectacular intensity that can be evoked through these unique rhythm interactions. In modern time we have witnessed these traditions evolve into refined spectacular forms of rhythmic expression. Indian kathak with bare feet, vibrating flamenco heels, virile rhythms from Argentinean gaucho boots, exquisite
Irish step dancing and elegant American tap. The echo of different cultures meets in magical duels of dance accompanied by masterly percussionists in the performance Rhythm & Dance.

The dancing and the rhythm bring several continents together. This is not the first time Gabriela Gutarra unites dancing from different cultures in one stage show. Rhythm by dance is a further development of the great success Gao Caló (Gypsy world) that compared dances and rhythms from India, Egypt and Spain. Gabriela Gutarra  creates a performance in which the skills of talented dancers and percussionists are brought together in a creative as well as a traditional way. Gabriela aims to show how different cultures use the bodies of the dancers as exquisite percussion
instruments. The sound of the feet on the floor is a very part of the music. All performers show their masterly skills in a captivating manner and in entirely new constellations. Gabriela Gutarra explains
that there is a physical need to create rhythms with our bodies. This is confirmed by the fact that rhythms echo through the music and dancing of all cultures, just like the heartbeats in the bodies of all people.

“It is world culture at its best.”
Karin Månsson, Arbetarbladet Gävle,
March 3, 2003.
“A thought provoking display
showing that exchange is the
essence of
cultural development.”
Anna Åström, Svenska Dagbladet,
March 4, 2003.
“Insane energy, pure intoxication!”
Dagens Nyheter, 2003.
“Fireworks of rhythm”
Svenska Dagbladet, 2003.
PRESS