Israeli Airport Security Makes American Performer Dance to Prove his Identity

by Josh Lew on

When the famed American dance company Alvin Ailey arrived in Israel, one of the troupe was singled out by airport security because of his Muslim name. That’s nothing new in a place where security concerns trump political correctness.

But this particular situation didn’t stop with the usual searches and passport verification. The dancer, Abdur-Rahim Jackson, was asked to perform a dance in order to prove his identity. After being held in a holding room for a few minutes, a different security official asked him to dance again. Jackson claimed that another security official told him it might be wise if he changed his name.

Jackson received his name when his father converted to Islam. He is not religious and is engaged to a Jewish woman whose family he intended to visit while in Israel. Despite being taken aback by the treatment, Jackson said that he did not plan to pursue any sort of official complaint. However, the story has been picked up by the Israeli press and commentators have complained about the negative image the story has caused for their country. Source.

Outdoor theater production in China blends modern with traditional cultural art forms

by Jamie Rhein on

China’s blend of art traditions, mixing the modern with the traditional, and the secular with the religious, is quite evident in the production of “Zen Shaolin” that is being shown at an outdoor theater in Henan Province.

From what I read in the New York Times article about the production, for anyone heading to China, or who is in China now, I’d take this in if I had the chance. Earlier today, I posted a video of the production of Swan Lake by the Guangdong Acrobatics Troupe of China. Multiply that several times, and you might come close to what I imagine “Zen Shaolin” must be like.

“Zen Shaolin” has a cast of 500 people, for example, and was created by Tan Dun, the guy who composed the music to “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.”

How big is the backstage, I wonder? Along with the cast of hundreds, the backdrop is a valley in the mountains near Shaolin Temple. How cool is that?

The set is elaborate as to not be dwarfed by the surroundings, and from the description of the storyline, the production blends ancient Chinese tales, martial arts, Zen Buddhism and modern day sensibilities.

One of the reasons for the creation of this outdoor theater production is to bring tourists to the area. There have been 300,000 who have come so far. Just another version of the story “If you build it they will come.” That is if you have a good idea and the timing is right.

In the case of “Zen Shaolin,” I’d say it sounds like pay dirt. (For more photos, check out the NY Times slide show)

Silent raves come to Madrid

by Abha Malpani on

I’ve never understood how the concept of a silent rave ever got popular. People in a club listening and dancing to their own music on headphones. The hook is around the fact that you can dance to whatever music you want in a social environment.

How is this fun? Why wouldn’t you just do the same at home? It’s a social thing, but when do you talk? On drink breaks?

The concept originated in the Netherlands some years ago under the notion of “going wild in silence”, and ever since has been floating around Europe. A couple of months ago, Union Square in New York held a huge “Silent Disco“, apparently the first ever in New York.

In Madrid, it’s come on a small scale. Organized by a youth center at their premises, I can’t imagine it to attract too large of a crowd, but then again, it’s Madrid — you just don’t know.

According to the CNN, the DJ’s involved in introducing the concept say that they are confident that in the ever changing world of clubbing, it’s better to be seen than heard. Hmmm.

I’d go to watch, but I doubt you can get away with just being a spectator to this silliness. Maybe I’ll just go and join in.

Friday Funny: Treadmill Dancing

by Erik Olsen on

Once again, it’s time for the Friday funny, and once again the FF has absolutely NOTHING to do with travel. BUT that said, you have to really admire the creativity and practice that went into this bloody brilliant dance routine on a treadmill.

Simply called “Treadmill Dance” (on Youtube anyway), this is one of those things I wish I’d thought of and shot with my friends. From the uber-hipster look these guys are sporting, to the perfectly-choreographed routine, this is truly great.