Soul Society - Steeve Austin's blog

Sutra is a work of art created by Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. As the name, which means “link”, suggests, the performance showcases the entwined connections between the east and the west as shown in the expert and fluid moves of Shaolin martial arts combined with contemporary European dance influences. It basically shows the Shaolin monks’ way of life such as the connection featured between their fighting skills and their Buddhist belief where they are fundamentally prohibited from engaging in any form of violence.

The highlight of the show, however, involves six-foot high wooden boxes interacting with the performers set in the middle of a plain-walled background. The high wooden boxes were used as platforms or safe places to hide, and sometimes, resemble a coffin.

The wooden boxes, together with their miniature models, parallel the link between a European man and a young Shaolin boy who plays his guide.

Overall, the performance’s main feature lies in the exceptional agility and warrior-like power of the Shaolin monks. Their moves include acrobatic somersaults and handstands, infused with some trademark aspects of hip-hop.

Sutra’s choreographer, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Moroccan – Flemish by blood, closely collaborated with designer Antony Gormley and Polish composer Szymon Brzoska to form a contemporary dance work inspired by the Buddhist Shaolin monks’ spirituality, skill and strength.

All 17 monks came directly from the national Buddhist Temple in Dengfeng City, Province of Henan, China. The performance also explores the relationship between the Buddhist faith and the martial arts Kung Fu and Tai Chi.
The show started running in 2008 and has continuously done so in 18 different countries. Sutra’s international tour includes a show in Bregenz, Austria on last May 26 to 27, 2010. It will also be shown in the Istanbul Festival in Turkey on June 2 and 3, 2010, as well as in Koln, Germany on July 6 to 7, 2010.

Early breakdancing originated way back in the late 20th century in the Southern part of Bronx, New York. It comprises a part of the hip-hop culture, and is characterized by dynamic dance styles. Street gang members were the first to start learning breakdancing skills. It closely resembles defensive martial arts because gang members use early breakdancing’s fancy moves as a form of defense during rival attacks. Later on, however, gang wars eventually evolved from physical fighting to dance battles. Original breakdancing consists mainly of fancy footwork and body freezes. Back then, head spinning and other intricate tricks were not yet part of breakdancing. Later on, breakdancers incorporated smoother steps and body movements. “Popping” and “locking” soon became the latest sensation in the dance floor.
Breakdancing today now puts great emphasis on groundwork combined with stylized led movements or what they call as “downrock”. It slowly became widely popular during the 80s and the 90s as movies and theatre productions began to feature breakdancing. Breakdancers started adding intricate moves such as backspinning, headspinning, handgliding, and windmilling. Today, many dance studios offer breakdancing and hip-hop classes around the world.