India and Denmark - A unique encounter centered on music and dance
22nd of May 2012
A rare intercultural encounter will take place in the Tivoli Concert Hall on 6th and 7th of September 2012, at 8pm, when the unique performance “FOOTPRINT” premieres. The dance performance "FOOTPRINT" takes us on a journey through the footprints we leave behind when we experience grief and love – in our search for harmony. This interpretation takes place in a cultural encounter between Danish and Indian artists, each bringing different aspects of both cultures into the project.
An experienced group of artists The artists behind the production are the Danish pianist and composer Niels Lan Doky, his Danish trio, and an array of some of India's most prominent musicians, such as Purbayan Chatterjee, Prabhu Edouard and Hamza Rahimtulla. The Danish choreographer Birgitte Bauer-Nilsen is creating the choreography, in collaboration with Indian Jayachandran Palazhy, for the highly esteemed Danish and Indian dancers.
"FOOTPRINT" will, as part of the festival India Today / Copenhagen Tomorrow, explore variations and similarities between Danish and Indian culture. When the two cultures meet, it will be an innovative interaction between traditional Indian musical instruments, contemporary acoustic jazz, electronica, contemporary and classical Indian dance, martial arts and modern dance, ballet and release technique.
A wonderful journey We are taken on a journey together with Siddhartha (Buddha) through life's many hardships, such as faith, grief and pain, pleasure and especially love, in an attempt to find balance and harmony in life. Our footsteps and experiences help shape who we are as people. The dance performance "FOOTPRINT" is a unique event in the field of dance and music in Denmark, created in collaboration between dancers and musicians from both countries.
A fascinating fusion of cultures "As the second largest country in the world and with its ancient and highly developed culture, India more than ever, plays a significant role in the modern global community. The meeting between Denmark and India through a contemporary fusion of two essential arts, music and dance, to me is fascinating and inspiring.” – Niels Lan Doky.
Did you know that…?
The vision behind the Yggdrasil Dance Ensemble, of which Birgitte Bauer-Nilsen is the artistic director, is based on the tree "Yggdrasil" from the Nordic mythology. The roots of the tree symbolize the people, and each of its roots also represents different cultures. The cultures are all part of the tree trunk and the branches are new cultures being formed.
Niels Lan Doky had his breakthrough at the age of only 15, along with American jazz legends Thad Jones and Ernie Wilkins. After 29 years living abroad he returned home to Denmark in 2010 when Her Majesty Queen Margrethe made him a Knight. He has also performed for the previous Pope at the Vatican.
Today Hamza Rahimtula is one of the most respected and cutting edge electronica musicians in India and the founder of the New Delhi-based record label Wind Horse Records.
Choreographer Jayachandran Palazhy is the artistic director of Attakkalari in India. The ensemble has performed at the presidential palace in Delhi for heads of state from India, Brazil and South Africa and has toured in Europe and Asia.