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Havana Rakatan, Dome Concert Hall, Brighton, until April 16
Faced with a pulsating group of hip swivelling, bum waggling, chest jiggling Cubans, it's hard not to feel, well, a little wooden.
In fact, it's difficult enough simply clapping along to their feverish rhythms, let alone
contemplating the high-speed shimmying which sends their tasselled tops into giddy ecstasy.
Strong, sweat-glazed muscles thrust and pound, thighs tangle into sultry sculptures and well-oiled shoulders pump bronze arms like smoking pistons.
Directed by Nilda Guerra,
this team of 14 loose-limbed dancers present a show which is relentlessly energetic and, at times, scorchingly hot.
There's no narrative, so unless you've read the brochure, you may miss the significance of
the first half which examines Cuba's history and the cultural
influences that have made
their mark on the island.
There is a brief glance at
flamenco, brought by the
colonial invasion, and then
some intense percussion-driven dances and songs of Congolese and Yoruba slaves.
Bright shirts and flirty skirts welcome us into the raunchier and less serious second half, which celebrates 20th century dances such as mambo, bolero, cha-cha-cha, rumba and salsa.
There is no scenery, only
blazing lights, a fantastic seven-piece band and a carnival of cheeky costumes, which help transform the stage into the
bustling slums of Havana.
It's a busy show and at times the stage feels over crowded
and the choreography a little undisciplined, but the spirit
is raw and the dancing free,
fun and passionate.
Starts 7.30pm, tickets £10-£22.50. Call 01273 709709.
4:29pm Tuesday 15th April 2008
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