Listings

Dance Ballet - The Fire of Anatolia

Date: Dec 18-23 - 7:15 pm

Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center

Price: 180-1,080 yuan

A synthesis of hundreds of folk dances and music from different regions, Fire of Anatolia is a unique project whose source is Anatolia's ancient mythological and cultural history. Produced by Mustafa Erdogan, the group hopes to introduce the world to the fire that arises from the ancient Anatolian mosaic of love, cultural history and peace. Fire of Anatolia, which is regarded as one of the world's best dance groups, thanks to countless international tours, has taken great steps in realizing this goal. In 1999 Mustafa Erdogan started work intensively on the project then known as Sultans of the Dance. Audition announcements were placed in newspapers and 90 talented young dancers were selected from 750 applicants to begin work immediately. The company generally rehearsed eight hours a day, but up to 16 hours. Costumes were created and music was composed. Dancers took theoretical instruction on the notation of Anatolian rhythms. The group worked night and day under the supervision of dieticians, estheticians, exercise and massage specialists. Folk dances, ballet and modern dance were the center of training, and stretching and yoga were also incorporated. This first period of creation lasted a year and a half. The show was scheduled to tour abroad after just a few performances in Turkey. After selling out months in advance, however, it was decided to stay longer in the country. Starting its first world tour in 2002, Fire of Anatolia has met art-lovers in numerous countries around the world, including Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Switzerland, Israel, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Egypt, Jordan, Hungary, Italy, North Cyprus, Siberia, South Korea, Qatar, Lebanon, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Russia, Japan, Mexico and Greece. Fire of Anatolia, rich with culture and the magic of dance, became the first dance group to perform in China's parliament building. The group has also performed for an audience of 400,000, all standing, in Eregli, near the Black Sea, and holds the title for 'Largest Audience' in the Guinness Book of World Records because of it. Fire of Anatolia was also the first group to perform in the Bodrum Antique Theatre after 2300 years.

Contact: 400-610-3721