International Dance Dialogues – Babae & Duende

Two distinct performances on the thematic axis of Portraits in Diversity – Multicultural Dance Dialogues, featuring some of the greatest contemporary dancers and choreographers from four different countries—England, the Philippines, Lebanon, and Greece—are presented. This mosaic of cultures and their expression through the art of dance will offer the audience of Dimitria Festival the chance to enjoy top-notch performers from different parts of the world, who unite their strengths to produce two performances of high dance and technical standards. In the first part of the first performance, Joy Alpuerto Ritter’s “Babae” is a 30-minute solo work inspired by Mary Wigman’s “Dance of the Witches,” a masterpiece of eccentricity. Joy Alpuerto Ritter, hailing from the Philippines and a collaborator with the Akram Khan Company and Cirque du Soleil, blends various dance styles with references to Southeast Asia, America, and Germany.

Choreography / Dancer: Joy Alpuerto Ritter

Music: Vicenzo Lamagna

Music: Arne Schmitt / Joy Alpuerto Ritter

Costumes: Lan Behrendt DYAO

Artistic Assistant: Lukas Steltner

The second part of the performance, Dickson Mbi’s “Duende,” is a twenty-minute solo. Dickson Mbi, originally from the United Kingdom but with clear influences from Africa where he was born, is an award-winning choreographer and a leading figure in the hip-hop scene. He has infused an ethno-dance dimension into this global dance culture.

Choreography / Dancer Dickson Mbi

Music Roger Goula

Music Fabiana Piccioli

The second performance of “Portraits in Diversity” features Omar Rajeh in a solo performance, as well as the Greek dancers Danae and Dionysios. The Lebanese artist, known for blending Middle Eastern influences with contemporary dance, takes his country’s dance character worldwide in an innovative choreographic manner. On the other hand, Danae and Dionysios follow their own ascending choreographic path globally, infusing contemporary dance with elements of Greek tradition.