From Durban to Oslo with gqom

The dance work and project Groove is a 45-minute dance performance that takes its starting point from the dance style gqom and explores its groove, form and spirit. Groove is about being yourself and surrendering to the music, yourself, the community and the groove. It is about struggle and community, where the performers together create a space for trust and power. With a desire to let go, gain acceptance and closeness.

In this performance, choreographer Mari Raudsepp has collaborated with three South African dancers. Here you get a unique opportunity to experience powerful and uncompromising dance from the streets and club scene of Durban, where it is usually men who dominate the scene. In this performance, the boys are put on the bench as four female dancers step forward and claim the style. Together they take control of the dance's pulse.

Mari Raudsepp

Raudsepp primarily practices, competes and teaches the dance styles house and gqom. During a trip to Durban, she discovered gqom and decided to create the performance Groove. Mari's artistic work with the dance styles house and gqom stems from her interest in how social dances can be expressed in a scenic/choreographic context. The work Groove is based on the traditions of gqom dance.

Gqom

Gqom dance originated in Durban's lokshins (townships) and stems from the music style of the same name. The music emerged in the early 2010s and quickly gained its own choreography and moves. Gqom dance is divided into two parts, bhenga and ijithi. Bhenga originates from the clubs in Durban, and the main element is groove-like upper body movements with basic steps such as wosho, gwarra gwarra and walkye phara. Ijithi is again based on fast footwork and has roots in the dance style pantsula. A footwork that is characterized by so-called "heel-to-shuffle" techniques.

Sustainable tour collaborations

Scenekunstbruket and Showbox want to achieve the best tour collaborations in the Nordics as possible, which we have achieved with Groove. This fall they are on tour with Dansnät Sverige , and therefore it was possible for us to bring Groove to Showbox as well.

Photo: Anton Höjer