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The Silk Road: a spectacular dance show

The Silk Road, a new production by The Ornina Dance Theater, which enacts the tale of an Arab sailor who travels through an array of countries along the Orient’s ancient overland trading route,  was a vigorous pulsating show with plenty of movement and energy.

It swept along at a cracking pace with gorgeously dressed women attracting much of the attention. Their dresses were stylishly beautiful and captivating and the whole stage was dominated by a whirl of colour. Beauty and spectacle held a riveted audience in awe. Yes there were male dancers who performed with distinction but it was the lively steps of the women, which commanded much greater attention. The different cultures encountered by the sailor were brought alive with traditional dancing and fabulous costumes.

We never got to the end of the journey but never mind. The men in their sharper steps provided a contrast to the joyous sweeping power of the ladies providing energetic circles of progress. The production worked because it was swept along in an atmosphere of joy, energy and fun. It also had the services of Nasser Ibrahim, who founded his own, Ornina  Theatrical Dance Company, in 1993 and has been a powerful influence. His artistic influence has been strong since the start of the century and certainly his great experience gave the production a sense of unity and force. Nasser Ibrahim is  the author of several well-known musical works and both his experience and weight certainly added to the whole experience. He helped  to place in context  a performance understandable to those who were not experts in Arab music.

The success can be measured by the fact that everybody stayed for the second half of the performance although a lot was demanded of spectators who came with little background knowledge.  The ROHM was therefore carrying out an educational as well as an entertainment role. The whole operation worked in that people stayed and were still there to offer strong applause at the end. March is going to be an exceptionally busy month. There are even major performances, all worthy of note. We are going to be treated to Buster Keaton’s film The General accompanied by the ROHM  pipe organ no less. That happens on March 3. There will be certainly some music buffs who will make this the fun priority of the season.

The Pipe Organ has  the pride of place once again on March 5 when its power and beauty are shown once again in all their glory. On March 10,  11 and 12 the English National Ballet comes to town with a performance of Le Corsaire — the Pirate. On March 22 and 23 the Magic Flute by Mozart follows.
Later in the month there are further great performances.

Source: OmanObserver

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