Source: CCTV.com

12-24-2008 09:03

The word "sheket" means "silence" in Hebrew. But what the Israeli dance troupe Sheketak presented at the National Center for the Performing Arts on Monday night couldn't have been more different. Often referred to as Israel's answer to "STOMP", the touring company wowed the Beijing audience with their repertoire packed with a variety of exciting dance moves.

Israeli dance troupe Sheketak presented at the National Center for the Performing Arts on Monday night.

It's a combo of dance, body percussion, tap, hip-hop, live music and videos that accentuates rhythm and street energy.

Banging pots and pans suspended from an overhead beam, tapping out a slew of complex rhythms with drumsticks on the floor, Israeli artists even made the rhythms fun by way of a video projection screen and computer driven sounds and images.

Israeli dance troupe Sheketak presented at the National Center for the Performing Arts on Monday night.

Dancers on stage created a joyful atmosphere, conveying a message to the packed house, Rhythm is the Soul!

Sheketak was established by Danny Rachom and Zahi Patish in 1997. Rhythm in Motion, choreographed by the two in 2003, was originally performed by five artists. It later evolved into a stage production involving nine dancers and three musicians.

Rhythm in Motion was warmly received when it premiered in Tel Aviv. It went on to captivate audiences around the world. The group traveled and performed in over 25 countries across Europe, the U.S. and the Far East. In 2000 Sheketak members won the Young Artists' Award presented by Israel's Minister of Culture.