Conceived as a bridge between Mediterranean cultures, choreographer Abou Lagraa’s ‘Nya’ is the inaugural work of Algeria’s first contemporary dance troupe. On the eve of its world premiere in Algiers, ‘O My Body’ examines the piece’s evolution and the former hip-hop dancers’ discovery of new ways to use their bodies.
Seeking to bridge Mediterranean cultures, choreographer Abou Lagraa and his wife, dancer Nawal Lagraa, are establishing Algeria’s first contemporary dance academy. For the inaugural performance of the choreographer’s new work, ‘Nya’, the Lagraas attract a unique group of 10, all male street dancers with no qualifications. On the eve of the world premiere of ‘Nya’ at the National Theatre in Algiers, ‘O My Body!’ traces the evolution of the work and the development of the dance troupe. A cinéma-vérité style brings an intimacy to the experiences of these men as they discover new body language and fresh ways to express themselves. They started dancing to hip hop in the streets; now, they go through difficult and rigorous training to bring their skills to the level required to appear on the international stage for the first time. An inspiring backstage look at the realisation of a unique dream.
