Where there are people and where there is passion – UooLike is there at the forefront.
The official launch of Mbulelo Ndabeni N’da Dance Company was no exception, and not only did we witness the performance to a sold out audience at East London’s Rich Mix, but we were given exclusive access to rehearsals and the creative process in the lead up to this unique event which expressed philosophy and physicality with a sonic backdrop to an engrossed and emotionally stimulated audience.
At UooLike we aim to encourage self-expression and passion so with N’da Dance Company’s conscious and truthful addressing of concepts it only seemed right that we should showcase this interdisciplinary collaboration of dancers, composers, percussionists, professional mentorship and clinical psychology by adding another dimension through the medium of film (See video for full list of credits).
Our short documentary highlights the mesmerising talent and drive of it’s founder and artistic director Mbulelo Ndabeni who is also the authority at every point of the company from dance and choreography to production.
The N’da Dance Company launch involved three pieces – ‘NaY Triple bill’ Solo Matter, iBali and NaY – Nam and You. Mbulelo Ndabeni explains the title in his engaging interview and we come to have some understanding of some of the conceptual seeds and themes explored in the pieces such as our own and other’s perceptions of identity.
A predominantly female cast and crew, all three works pay homage to women and girls worldwide. This spirit of reverence is invoked not only by the intent behind the pieces and movement but by the use of djembe drumming by all-female Yemalla drummers which traditionally has many connotations of worship and ceremony.
The powerful and moving performance of the three pieces began with a warming curtain opener by young performers from Artistry Youth Dance and AkomaAsa drummers and was representative of N’da Dance Company’s embracing attitude towards opportunity for expression of the younger generation. Ndabeni shows us through this, his own optimism, hope for the future and the value of investing in it right now.