Written by | Ray Cornelius
Check out this amazing video of the world renowned French dance comapny—Compagnie Hervé Koubi! They will be making their Atlanta debut TONIGHT as part of Georgia State’s Rialto Center for the Arts new season.
I got a chance to attend a special sneak peek of their show last night with a few other Atlanta arts and cultural influencers and we were completely blown away!
Founded by Hervé Koubi, the company consist of about 15 dancers he handpicked on his travels to Algeria. Recognized as one of Europe’s most distinctive choreographers, Koubi believed he was of French heritage until he was 25, when his father suddenly revealed his Algerian roots. Since that time, he has choreographed stunning routines such as “What the Day Owes to the Night” as part of his new found love for his African heritage.
Surprisingly, many of the dancers have never had formal training and were discovered on the streets and beaches of Algeria doing hip-hop and capoeira, backflips and head spins. One of the performers, Zakaria Ghezal (pictured left), wanted to join the troupe when he was 14-years-old but wasn’t recruited until he was 22.
“Koubie was like, you’re too young but I promise to follow up with you when you are more mature,” said Ghezeal, who was excited about being back in the United States.
Click here for tickets and see you there!
Photo Credits: Gabrielle Mannino + Lequatran.fr
