Koukansuru
Expert acrobatics, intoxicating techniques and break-neck speed – welcome to the world of nip hop. Its idiosyncratic elements hark back to the Japanese martial arts. Koukansuru — Japanese for “exchange” — is a project that was initiated under the artistic direction of Steps and brought to life by hip hop producer Bruce Ykanji. An aficionado of the Japanese hip hop scene, he has invited dance groups Mortal Combat and Former Aktion from Nippon to appear with his own crew Juste Debout.
Ibrahim Sissoko has choreographed a sophisticated work for Juste Debout’s two female and three male dancers. It’s peppered with pantomime and tap dance moves and leaves plenty of room for interpretation. Former Aktion’s performance is a celebration of popping: using moves based on the electric boogaloo, the five dancers dissect and syncopate their steps and are particularly well-known for their groove mechanics. The nine-person Mortal Combat group is considered Japan’s most successful b-boy crew and is sure to win over audiences with their feisty, sarcastic work. Both Japanese dance collectives devise the choreography themselves.
"Ein getanztes Gag-Feuerwerk!" FAZ
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