It bodes well for journey of discovery

Mar 27 2008 by Barbara Hodgson, The Journal

WHEN Bode Lawal performs at the Gala Theatre in Durham tomorrow, he’ll be showcasing a new technique set to become his creative signature.

Joined by six other dancers and three musicians, the award-winning artistic director and choreographer promises to take audiences on a journey of discovery in a three-part dance spectacular.

Bode, from Nigeria, travelled to Brazil, India, China and Hong Kong to research dance traditions. Inspired by what he learned, he has melded multi-cultural styles with his traditional African roots and his own unique technique which he calls the Bode Lawal Dance Technique.

The results can be seen tomorrow in Okan’ Nijo, meaning One.

First will be Clockwork, judged Performance of the Year 2006 in The Journal Culture Awards, then a new short duet piece, Glory.

The second half is the revealing artistic and spiritual journey across continents, which Bode developed from his research abroad. He found connections between dance styles and was inspired by, for instance, the controlled steps he saw in China and even the look of parasol-carrying passers-by.

It’s all interpreted via his technique, mixing the traditions of African dance in a new way.

“In African dance, there are so many dance styles,” he explains. “Many dances work to selected movement taken from Shango, the god of fire, or Oshun, the river goddess.

“I wanted to make it more accessible, using a post-traditional technique.”

In teaching this to his dancers, Bode encourages them to listen to their inner self.

It’s a technique, he adds, which anyone can learn and it already forms part of Sakoba’s education programme.

Imaginative choreography is what is making Bode stand out in the world of dance.

Now in his early 40s, he’s been forging his own way since developing a passion for dance as a child.

While his father did not approve of his chosen career, preferring Bode to make his mark – like many male members of the family – in the field of civil engineering, he nonetheless pressed ahead, studying for a degree in dance and choreography before going off to teach in America.

He formed Sakoba, meaning new dawn, on coming to England then was tempted to the North East in 2004 by Arts Council funding.

A deeply spiritual man, Bode says God will continue to guide him.

“The most important thing is to believe in yourself,” he says. “I know what I want to do and I know my direction.”

See Okan’ Nijo (One) at 7.30pm tomorrow at the Gala Theatre. Visit www.galadurham.co.uk or tel. (0191) 332-4040.

Visit www.sakobadancetheatre.com for information on Sakoba.

Barbara Hodgson