Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Rhythm of cultural diversity
Courage is about standing up for what you believe in. Strength comes from achieving this. A person’s traditions and culture breeds individuality that is unique in our cosmopolitan world. Different cultures spur different styles of music and dance. Reluctance in accepting and tolerating these disparities leads to confrontation and hostility. On a lonely street, two gangs of different genres are ready to clash and battle for supremacy. Each wants to be street dance champions.

This is the setting for the innovative show entitled Street Beat presented by the Elizabeth Moir School. An explosive mix of street dance and popular music, which will thrill all music lovers, Street Beat features two street gangs, one a very modern hip-hop dance group and the other, a traditional Indian bhangra dance group. Both groups believe they have the right to dominate, and the clash of cultures leads to a thrilling and spectacular climax.

The show features many well known songs such as “I Need A Hero”, “Eye Of The Tiger”, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, “True Colours”, “The World’s Greatest” and many more hit songs. The songs attempt to build up a storyline that shows the tension between the two groups.

The concept for the show was conceived by artistic director, Aida Mansoor, who felt the students have the talent to extend themselves and do something entirely different to previous school concerts. Natasha Jayasuriya choreographed the hip-hop dance routines, while the bhangra dance routines were choreographed by Seema Chandani. The producer of Street Beat is Robin Hiney. The stunning costumes for the show are by Sonali White of Haddai, and the hair and make-up by 7th Avenue. The music tracks are by Ranga Dassanayake.

Street Beat will take place on November 20, 2004 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium. There will also be a matinee performance on the same day at 3.00 p.m. Tickets are on sale at Elizabeth Moir Senior School, 4/20, Thalakotuwa Gardens, Colombo 5.

Top