Paparazzi: Artistic collision

Alhamra hosted a cultural buffet that put Gilgit-Baltistan on the creative map.

LAHORE:

Lahore was treated to a performance by Netherlands’ dynamic dance troupe Paparazzi, who had been finalists of the “Holland’s Got Talent” competition, at the 10th Rafi Peer Youth Performing Arts Festival on October 14. The explosive performance by the six-member-group, brought the audience to life.

“Just look at the energy. When we see that, we want to return the same energy,” said Ques, one of the band members.

The troupe showcased a variety of dance styles including hip hop, krumping, poose, popping and madrin. Dressed in black skinny jeans and leather jackets, each member performed solo dance routines to a variety of tracks, including famous film soundtracks and hip hop songs. The physical acts of the performers included freezes, floor grabs and tumbles. At times, the performance seemed like poetry in motion and tried to express the mood of a theatrical play but using only dance and no dialogue.

The band itself has become popular over the last year and has made frequent appearances on European television shows. The troupe said that it was actually through their TV performances that the festival organisers first had the chance to see them.

“We wanted to show people on a global level what we do,” said troupe-member Jil. “People should know that what they see on TV is propaganda and that Pakistani people have an appreciation for dance and culture,” he added.

The reaction by the audience was positive as many boys in the audience started to breakdance and got into clubbing mode. The highlight of the performance, however, was the standing ovation that David Kujper, the Deputy Head of the Mission for the Kingdom of Netherlands, received. Kujper was of the opinion that the visit of this dance troupe is a step towards strengthening cultural ties between Netherlands and Pakistan.

Gilgit-Baltistan performs on national stage

Meanwhile, the Rafi Peer Youth Performing Arts Festival marked the debut of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) culture. Following the hip hop performances, a band from G-B also provided a soothing and diverse performance of Sufi music.

G-B Art and Culture Association Team Leader Karim Mutrid said that the significance for of this performance was that G-B will finally be accepted as a part of the nation and would now be able to contribute Pakistan’s culture.

“We have had a vague identity but now that we are a part of the national ambit of Pakistan, the culture of our region will thrive better,” said Mutrid. “G-B is a very unique place due to its various ethnic and lingual traditions as it incorporates central Asian, South Asian and an array of other indigenous cultures.”

The acoustic performance by the band used a number of instruments (damal, dadang and rubab) and they were able to switch back and forth  between several languages — some of which were not well known, such as Burushaski.

“G-B is so culturally rich with music and art, and due to its location it has always used music as a way of connecting with people across borders,” said Baig, who is the band’s vocalist and also studies at the University of Karachi. He added, “Music and culture in a way has been an agent of indigenous dialogue for the people of G-B.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2011.