Critic's Pick: 'The Ecstatic'

With The Ecstatic, OZ Arts brings us yet another exciting U.S. premiere, and a really intriguing collaboration between South Africa’s Impilo Mapantsula dance collective and the Brooklyn-born (now based in Basel, Switzerland) choreographer Jeremy Nedd. This dazzling work takes its inspiration from two very different sources — the blistering-fast footwork of South Africa’s pantsula dance form and the Pentecostal praise breaks often found in African American churches. Of course, pantsula is much more than just dance. Originating in Black townships during the systemic oppression of apartheid, pantsula emerged as a true act of resistance, and “a powerful means of expressing identity, resilience and political defiance.” It’s an exhilarating style, particularly when paired with exuberant Pentecostal praise breaks that “blur the lines between ecstatic and cathartic.” Impilo Mapantsula is led by the celebrated South African choreographer and performer Vusi Mdoyi — a pioneer of the pantsula movement who has worked extensively with the Step Afrika! dance company. This marks the only opportunity for American audiences to experience The Ecstatic in the U.S. this year. Don’t miss it, Nashville.

May 1-2 at OZ Arts

6172 Cockrill Bend Circle