Male bellydancer shaking things up

ki-media

Born in a refugee camp, performer will help launch Bounce cabaret

June 4, 2010
By Grania Litwin
Times Colonist

ON STAGE

• What: Bounce Dance Cabaret
• Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St.
• When: 8 p.m. Sunday
• Tickets: $11/$9 at the door

The triPOD dance collective is kicking off its seventh Bounce Dance Cabaret with a sensational male bellydancer called Nath Keo.

The performer, who was born in a refugee camp on the border of Thailand and Cambodia, came to Canada at age nine and began shaking it up. Today he is a writer, singer, songwriter, model and dancer known for an exciting fusion of East Asian and Middle Eastern styles.

"We are really excited about this evening because Nath is an absolutely thrilling mover," said Treena Stubel, who founded Bounce and is organizing this event.

"To my knowledge he is the only guy doing what he does. He lives here, tours a lot and is bringing his Sacred Dance Centre Company to the cabaret as well. He is a unique and inspiring artist, and he does this fantastic Asian bellydance fusion."

Keo, a Buddhist monk, was a featured instructor in 2008 and performed at the International Bellydance Conference of Canada. He was also a judge at the World Bellydance Championships in Seoul, South Korea.

Bounce cabaret was founded to promote new work by independent dance and physical theatre artists.

"We're into our second year and the audience is building," said Stubel, who notes they frequently focused on contemporary dance in the first year, but are branching out now.

Sunday's event will also include hip hop by Jesse Nordwall and Danielle O'Reilly, contemporary moves by Kelly Tyerman, plus other dancers and styles. It is being hosted by actor Ingrid Hansen.

"She's working on a new show and bringing this new character to the cabaret. Ingrid is a real mover, too, a very physical performer who always brings an electrifying physical presence to the stage." Performers range in age from early 20s to late 30s.

"Our mission is to create a place where professional, dedicated, serious dancers can do their new work in front of an audience," said Stubel, who noted dancers have fewer performance opportunities than actors.

"It's a chance to cultivate an idea for five or 10 minutes in front of an audience, and get some feedback. And the cabaret has a nice, casual atmosphere where you can buy a drink and relax. Dancers typically have large gaps between performances, but at Bounce we aim to increase the momentum and the creativity."