Cuba’s Contemporary Dance presents its show in Germany

Danza Contemporánea de Cuba, Cuba’s Contemporary Dance, in co-production with the Urban Arts Ensemble Ruhr group, presented the show "Exposure," at the PACT Zollverein theater in Essen, Germany. This show was conceived by Julio César Iglesias —resident choreographer of the Cuban company— and Hans van den Broeck, in collaboration with the musical creator Bent Frost.

This art piece was presented at the Avellaneda hall of the National Theater exactly one year ago, as part of an exchange between Cuban and German dancers. It also marked the presentation in Cuba of Frost: Australian-Icelandic composer, record producer and sound designer, one of the most relevant figures of electronic instrumental music and experimental electroacoustics at an international level.

It was not, and is not, a conventional show. The spectators are also located on stage, like an arena theater, very close to the artists. In some way, they are integrated into the dynamics of the movement.

The confluence of styles, the dialogue with expressions of street dance - hip hop, capoeira - the integration of different patterns... create a fast-paced performance. The strength and energy of the performers are very important. There are overwhelming dynamics, moments in which each dancer seems to inhabit a particular space... and others in which the group takes center stage.

Here we are reflecting on the impact of new technologies on daily routines, particularly those associated with Artificial Intelligence. To what extent can we speak of a real invasion? Where will the initiative, the identity of the human being, be? Almost unnatural movements seem to presage a dystopian future... but a will to fight, the commitment of a community, prevails.

The presentation of the piece in Essen, Germany, was rewarded with prolonged applause. The critics have echoed it. On the platform Tanznetz, Rico Stehfest writes: "Anyone who complains that contemporary dance is running out of innovative impulses and that only conceptual art remains should take a look at street art in general. This work brings immense physical power (...), but at the same time, there is nothing preachy or even accusatory about it. (...) the dancers are literally in the middle of the audience. They are among us. Let's see who they are. It's definitely worthwhile."

This weekend there will be two performances of the piece at the PACT Zollverein. For the dancers of Danza Contemporánea de Cuba, it has been an opportunity to take the pulse of other dance trends in Europe.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translated Staff