Win Tickets to Red Bull Flying Bach
Hip-hop and classical fusion – it's not often done, but when done correctly, can be one of the most show-stopping and emotive things in the world (consider duo Nuttin But Stringz as an example).
Hence, when Red Bull announced they'd be bringing four times breakdancing world champions Flying Steps and opera director Christoph Hagel out for a fusion piece on September 4-6, we figured it was worth having a chat to someone– if only to find out if the madness was justified (but seeing as the 2011 European tour sold out, it's a safe bet it is).
For those unaware, in short, the performance comprises a 70min clash of high-culture and urban art, as the Flying Steps crew visualise Johann Sebastian Bach's classical piece 'Well-Tempered Clavier'. Complete with head spins, power moves, a visual graphics display, EDM and classical music elements the show is no doubt one to remember.
We caught up with choreographer and mastermind of Red Bull Flying Bach, Vartan Bassil and also secured a double pass to give away to Red Bull Flying Bach. Enter your details below to go in the draw.
Fusing the creative components of classical and urban art is a pretty rare thing, what would you say is the most unique experience or feeling that audiences will walk away from Red Bull Flying Bach with?
VB: That two kinds of art – that apparently do not go together well – can become a pretty good match! Through the clash of cultures the audience have the opportunity to gain a really unique understanding of breakdance and classical music, which they've never had before.
What were the challenges unique to the classical music genre when it came to choreographing a breakdance performance to complement it?
VB: The main challenge for us was, to understand the music and composition of Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier. Each dancer is visualizing one voice of the composition. So we are not just dancing to the music, we embody the fugues of Bach's composition from its inner organization.
There are lots of hip hop lovers out there who might not appreciate Hagel or the classical genre – what can you tell them about the show to sway them?
VB: That Red Bull Flying Bach unites the best dancers of the world with very unique skills. If you will miss seeing them live you can't be a lover of hip hop culture, heh.
You've created a very unique piece of art here - if you had to compare it to a TV show or movie, what would it be?
VB: A very good RomCom!
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