Blue Ruin

“Afro Blue”…the music has three elements: strong African tones, a grounded bluesy feel, and a light and airy melody…

In Blue Ruin, the movement is a direct interpretation of the music. The music has three elements: strong African tones, a grounded bluesy feel, and a light and airy melody. The movement also has three corresponding elements: strong African movements, grounded modern concepts, and fluid, graceful balletic movements.

The term “blue ruin” means complete and utter ruin and desolation. This piece takes a light-hearted look at a group of people, who are experiencing what it is to be “blue” in the face of ruin and destruction, yet find ease and strength in spite of it.

Blue Ruin

Length: 4 minutes

Music: Mongo Santamaria

Costumes: Tianna Pourciau Sykes

Dancers: 6 women

World Premiere: 2012 Dance Canvas pARTy for Art

Photos: Sykes Photography, LLC