April 23, 2009 — Nath Keo & Sacred Centre Dance - Walla Marra
Nath Keo is a male bellydancer performing at triPOD dance's Bounce cabaret. (Photograph by: Handout, timescolonist.com)Born in a refugee camp, performer will help launch Bounce cabaret
June 4, 2010
By Grania Litwin
Times Colonist
ON STAGEThe triPOD dance collective is kicking off its seventh Bounce Dance Cabaret with a sensational male bellydancer called Nath Keo.
- What: Bounce Dance Cabaret
- Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St.
- When: 8 p.m. Sunday
- Tickets: $11/$9 at the door
The performer, who was born in a refugee camp on the border of Thailand and Cambodia, came to Canada at age nine and began shaking it up. Today he is a writer, singer, songwriter, model and dancer known for an exciting fusion of East Asian and Middle Eastern styles.
"We are really excited about this evening because Nath is an absolutely thrilling mover," said Treena Stubel, who founded Bounce and is organizing this event.
"To my knowledge he is the only guy doing what he does. He lives here, tours a lot and is bringing his Sacred Dance Centre Company to the cabaret as well. He is a unique and inspiring artist, and he does this fantastic Asian bellydance fusion."
Keo, a Buddhist monk, was a featured instructor in 2008 and performed at the International Bellydance Conference of Canada. He was also a judge at the World Bellydance Championships in Seoul, South Korea.
Bounce cabaret was founded to promote new work by independent dance and physical theatre artists.
"We're into our second year and the audience is building," said Stubel, who notes they frequently focused on contemporary dance in the first year, but are branching out now.
Sunday's event will also include hip hop by Jesse Nordwall and Danielle O'Reilly, contemporary moves by Kelly Tyerman, plus other dancers and styles. It is being hosted by actor Ingrid Hansen.
"She's working on a new show and bringing this new character to the cabaret. Ingrid is a real mover, too, a very physical performer who always brings an electrifying physical presence to the stage." Performers range in age from early 20s to late 30s.
"Our mission is to create a place where professional, dedicated, serious dancers can do their new work in front of an audience," said Stubel, who noted dancers have fewer performance opportunities than actors.
"It's a chance to cultivate an idea for five or 10 minutes in front of an audience, and get some feedback. And the cabaret has a nice, casual atmosphere where you can buy a drink and relax. Dancers typically have large gaps between performances, but at Bounce we aim to increase the momentum and the creativity."
glitwin@tc.canwest.com
7 comments:
"Keo, a buddhist monk".
Maybe he was buddhist monk but, please do not use the description like that as it may confuse people. Buddhist monk is not allowed to do thing like that. I admire his artistic skill as dancer but please he's not Buddhist monk.
I am very proud to see a gifted Khmer male belly dancer!
2 thumbs up!! :))
continue your excellent work, Nath Keo!!! cheers...
OK, let me have my say. I know the guy is a performer and stuff, but isn't it GAY for him to be wearing the label "Male Belly Dancer"? Man, I wish this guy would turn out to be an engineer or a doctor instead of being half naked belly dancer. In addition, isn't that a culture of the Muslims instead. Such a disappointment. Of all the opportunities in Canada, he chose "belly dancing". Dang it! Cambodians don't ever need any dancers, f*ck all of that! We need builders, healers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and more. We need more hardworking career people, not a nude dancer.
Quite charming! Loved it! great job Nath Keo...you put middle easterners to envy your swirling move! :)
This dance is my favorit, I admire this dance all my life. I prefer to watch Egyptian, Arabian and indian Movies is because of this art, I love it but (the only perform by women) not such of this STUPID young Cambodian man like Ah Nath Kao, he always have a wisely oportunity in Canada the land of lushing green but he had choose this dance instead, what kind of preson you're?. I feel shameful indeed to see Cambodian young man like you to perform this dance!.
This is a sedutive dance it's more than entertaiment dance what F* in your head to choose this caree? I know you have right to do what ever in you wish but this is totally wrong with man body. I am asking you
nerver go to perform in Cambodia, if you were a women is OK but not you!
Shamfully my Khmer nation
As long as he makes his living, that is considered to be part of helping the society and Cambodia. He can give his excess to the donation box for extra helping Cambodia. I guess we all need to learn to accept and respect the difference of individualism becoz we aren't born equal.
Say what you will about this man, however I can easily attest that the few negative comments here were left by those not nearly as educated or well informed of world arts, unlike Mr Keo.
"I admire his artistic skill as dancer but please he's not Buddhist monk." DO your homework, he WAS a buddhist monk, and never claims to be since leaving the sanctuary. keep in mind that western journalists may not be familiar with the buddhist faith and the different levels of ranking.
"We need more hardworking career people, not a nude dancer." By what we've seen, there is NO nudity and he is clearly a hardworking career person. Google his name and find out!
"this is totally wrong with man body." here is an example of another khmer that wants to pretend he is educated.. There IS a history of male belly dancing. DO your research buddy before you make proclaimations as if you have been nearly informed.
Express your views and opinions, not your stupidity and ignorance!
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