Unhindered by the 40-degree forecast that threatened to melt the big top venue they were allocated,
Cirque Kalabanté entered a beautiful first set with jubilance and energy to lift its sweaty audience out of
thermal shock and into a joyous frenzy.
The brainchild of choreographer, composer and gifted instrumentalist Yamoussa Bangoura, this show took
us on a journey through the bustling markets and fishing villages of Africa via a tightly woven tapestry of
high-octane traditional dance routines, circus mediums and beautifully authentic aesthetics.
The musicality of the performance was intoxicating and Yamoussa’s mastery on the Kora and syrupy vocals
transported the audience to the streets of West Africa where his ensemble performed gravity-defying
acrobatics and incredible drumming routines.
The costumes were dynamic but minimal – showcasing the extraordinary physique of the artists as they
seamlessly somersaulted mid-air in rhythmic dance routines that had that the audience clapping for a large percentage of the show.
A crowd favourite was the neck-breaking contortionist whose impossible carnal knots had us gasping and
peeping through our fingers. The discomfort of watching the impossible twists and turns were offset by the fluidity of his choreography in harmony with the   mesmerising Kora score.
Another highlight was the sensuous, pulse-raising traditional dance routines of the performers on a Village
People-inspired construction site – which was either a tongue-in-cheek wink to the Western world’s
obsession with sexualising African dance, or a very valid flex on the elite physicality of its people.
Cirque Kalabanté is a must-see event. Whether you’re a fan of music, dance, circus, storytelling or all of the
above – Yamoussa’s incredible culturally immersive experience is a heaven-sent soundscape and a stunning sight to behold – pure euphoria.