Dada Masilo’s The Sacrifice
Inspired by Igor Strawinsky‘s “Le Sacre du Printemps”
Dada Masilo is the dance sensation everybody is talking about: her innovative interpretations of classic stories of the European ballet history tour globally, from “Carmen” to “Swan Lake” and “Giselle.” Masilo’s choreographies open up the well-known stories to current and political topics such as the representation of race, gender, and sexual orientation. Masilo’s newest work will come to Recklinghausen shortly after its premiere in South Africa.
Masilo has always been fascinated by the study of unfamiliar dance forms and fusing these vocabularies with contemporary dance or classical ballet to create a new language. With “The Sacrifice,” she and the dancers are engaged in the study of Tswana dance and rituals. This unique, rhythmic, and expressive dance form is native to the country of Botswana, where it is at times used for storytelling and healing.
Masilo says: “Whilst studying in Brussels, I had the privilege to learn a small section of Pina Bausch’s “The Rite of Spring.” I was intrigued by the complex rhythms of Stravinsky’s score. I am a big fan of rhythms that are challenging. With all my training in dance, I have never until now studied Tswana movement, which is actually the culture of my heritage. So, in creating “The Sacrifice,” I want to explore ritual, what sacrifice meant to the Tswana people then and what it means now. Narrative is very important to me. I want to create a story that is deeper than a chosen maiden dancing herself to death.”
„Gorgeous. Bold, daring, uncompromising and completely enchanting.“ Dance Magazine about „Giselle”