THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 6, 1995 TAG: 9504060382
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: DANCE REVIEW
SOURCE: BY SUE SMALLWOOD, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
Le Ballet National du Senegal rendered a spectacular celebration of traditional West African song and dance in Hampton on Wednesday evening, thrilling a nearly sold-out crowd at Ogden Hall.
In a program entitled ``Pangols'' - a word from African tribal language referring to the spiritual nature of all beings and things - the troupe performed with contagious exuberance dances and music of Senegal's 15 ethnic groups.
The show was visually dazzling.
Corps of men and women moved with stupefying athleticism, effortlessly reeling off intricate high-stepping and frenzied jumps and turns.
Vivid costumes ranged from brightly colored tunics, robes and layered skirts to elaborate masks; unique characters included a huge whirling dervish of straw and a dancer on mile-high stilts.
The music was equally exciting. A retinue of percussionists pounded drums and shakers of every size, shape, timbre and tone.
Their complex polyrhythms were breathtakingly dynamic, alternately boldly assertive and quietly delicate.
Vocal work included solos from storytelling griots and call-and-response chants between the men and women.
Le Ballet National's sheer joy of movement and music spilled over to the audience, who with enthusiastic claps and shouts joined in the ecstasy of the night. ILLUSTRATION: DANCE REVIEW
Le Ballet National du Senegal
Wednesday at Ogden Hall, Hampton
by CNB