This solo is one of the first compositions on the western stage to combine modern dance and African movement. Asadata Dafora, who immigrated to the United States in 1929, delivers his choreographic vision of traditional African dance presented on stage with the canons of western dance. The dancer is transformed into a majestic, powerful bird.

Credits

Creation : 1934
Choregraphy : Asadata Dafora
Transmission: Ella Moore
Rerun by : James Carlès
Duration : 4 mn
Interpreter : James Carles ou Georgey Souchette ou Clément Assémian
Music : Traditionnal African percussions

James Carles is a choreographer, researcher and lecturer. He received initial training in dance and music of Africa and its Diaspora and then trained with the great names of modern dance in New York and London mainly. Since 1992, he hired an artistic and analytical approach that explores the “places junctions” between the dances, rhythms and philosophies of Africa and its Diaspora with technical and western thoughts frames. To date, his company’s directory contains more than fifty pieces of his own creation and authors like Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, Talley Beatty, Asadata Dafora, Geraldine Armstrong, Rick Odums, Wayne Barbaste, Carolyn Carlson, Robyn Orlin, etc.

Dancer soloist and outstanding performer, James Carles was performer and artistic collaborator for not only numerous “all music” ranging from Baroque to contemporary music, through jazz; but also choreographers such as Carolyn Carlson, Robyn Orlin, Rui Horta, Myriam Naisy, etc.

Artist associated with Astrada- Jazz In Marciac 2012-2014, research associate in the laboratory of the University LLA Créatis Jean Jaures Toulouse, James Carles is particularly invests in heritage projects for diversity and diffusion of choreographic culture. He is also founder and artistic director of the festival “Dances and Black Continents”.

Since 2016, James Carlès has made the choice to make available to the public a selection of its videos.