Thjerza Balaj
Ruzalka
2021
February 7 at 22:00
February 7 at 23:00
Ballet national de Marseille
Performance, Dance
Duration: 25 min
Book your ticket
7€ / 10€, Evening pass 15€ / 20€
Coproduced with CCN-Ballet national de Marseille
With the support of Onda
In Ruzalka, Thjerza Balaj reimagines the myth of the rusalka, a Slavic folklore figure known for seducing men and dragging them to fatal waters. The Albanian, Norwegian, and Kosovar dancer and choreographer breathes new life into this mythological character, freeing her from the traditional imagery of the malevolent female spirit. Ruzalka delves into personal and collective narratives, challenging expectations to reclaim a multifaceted and complex identity.
In a velvety darkness and to the pulse of hardcore techno, Thjerza Balaj captivates and forms a connection with the audience, overturning power dynamics. Known for her immediate and intimate approach, the performer asserts her presence through the intensity of her dance, driven by raw, powerful moments and shifts in energy. This interplay of contrasts draws the audience into a dynamic and transformative experience.
Biography
Thjerza Balaj is a trained dancer and choreographer from The Danish National School of Performing Arts, currently residing and working in Copenhagen. Immediacy and intimacy are important elements in her works. Her choreographic practice deals with the female gaze, power dynamics and the uncanny. Playing with shifting intensities is a consistent approach in her seemingly hard-core yet ephemeral practice.
In 2022, she received the prestigious danceWEB scholarship at ImpulsTanz in Vienna.
Credits
Distribution
Dance, performance and choreography: Thjerza Balaj
Sound producer: SANTI RZR
Additional music: Smerz
Costume design: Ditte Marie Thygesen
Light technician: Magnus Holger Knoblauch Hjortlund
Support
Danish Arts Foundation, Vesterbro Lokaludvalg and Cultiva Ekspress
Photos
© Benedicte Ramfjord