Toronto's dance Immersion presents Kenya’s Fernando Anuang’a performing his contemporary Maasaï dance solo TRADITIONAL FUTURE in its North American premiere. The performances take place January 19 & 20, and will include an artist talk.
Fernando Anuang’a (Photo courtesy of the artist)
Dancer/Choreogrpher Fernando Anuang’a
Fernando Anuang’a began his journey into dance in 1990 as a member of the renowned Rarewatts Maasaï dancers in Kenya. He drew inspiration from Maasaï traditional dance, which is combined with song. With it, he created a unique dance language that blends the traditional with contemporary dance.
Self-taught to that point, he attended masterclasses with choreographer Carolyn Carlson to further his skills.
His dance career has taken him from Kenya to France, where he performed his solo dance works at the National Dance Center of Angelin PRELJOCAJ – Pavillon Noir in France and the Centre Chorégraphique National of Carolyn CARLSON, Colisée in Roubaix.
Fernando Anuang’a has choreographed and performed his work throughout Africa, Europe and Asia. He'll be making his North American premiere in Toronto.
Fernando worked on his piece “Traditional Future” at renowned choreographer Wayne MacGregor's studio AKILI in LAMU, produced by Pierre Cardin. The premiere performance was staged at Musée du Quai Branly in Paris and Espace Cardin, in 2011.
In it, Fernando explores the question: How do we evolve tradition toward modernity without obliterating its tracks, without betraying one’s roots?
Bringing Maasaï dance into the 21st century with integrity is his passion. The image of the Maasaï jump tradition has been exploited; Fernando’s practice instead infuses this cultural vertical energy with evolving Maasaï undulation gestures. TRADITIONAL FUTURE was the third solo piece he choreographed. In it, he stays loyal to the Moran (Maasaï warrior) tradition as a symbolic root, while finding a deeper energy and more liberating form of self-expression to bring the tradition into the future.
Traditional Future Credits
Performer, Choreographer & Soundscape Designer: Fernando Anuang’a
Music: Traditional Maasaï vocals with contemporary soundscape
Toronto Presentation: dance Immersion
Production Manager: Charissa Wilcox
Stage Manager: Patricia Anuang’a
Technical Crew & Box Office: The Theatre Centre
Fernando Anuang’a (Photo courtesy of the artist)
Performances
Venue -The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
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