Grupo Corpo: Parabelo & Onqoto

Parabelo & Onqoto PIC CREDIT José Luiz Pederneiras

DANCE: BRAZIL

FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT

“Grupo Corpo’s unashamed mission seems to be to tempt the rhythm of life out of us all.”

The Guardian (UK)

Salsa, rumba and tango join forces with classical ballet in a dazzling double bill from the sassy, high-energy Brazilian dance company Grupo Corpo.

On their first visit to New Zealand, the company will kick-start Festival Opening Night with two works showcasing their distinctive repertoire. At once light and sensual, fast and funny, Parabelo and Onqotô showcase Grupo Corpo’s long-standing international reputation for mixing it up – with stunning results. Established in 1975, the family-run company (brothers Paulo and Rodrigo Pederneiras are artistic director and choreographer, respectively) has created 34 major works and gives 80 performances per year around the world.

Grupo Corpo, literally body group, combines classical technique with a contemporary take on popular Brazilian dance forms. The company is inspired by such diverse musical influences as the minimalism of Philip Glass and Brazilian popular music.

Of the two works for the Festival, Parabelo looks to traditional, rural Brazil for inspiration, while Onqotô explores both the creation of the universe and the rivalry between Rio’s two main football teams. “Grafting ballet onto myriad Latin disciplines – capoeira, rumba, tango – it was a sizzling concoction. As a salsa beat kicked in, and the first signature pelvic shimmy made its way across the stage in a skin-hugging red leotard, this band of 19 dancers didn’t put a foot wrong,” wrote The Guardian.

Parabelo/Onqotô is at the St James Theatre from 24 to 27 February for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $38 – $98 available from Ticketek.

ENDS

Sponsored by Wellington International Airport

Presented by arrangement with Arts Projects Australia

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