By Tiziano Thomas Dossena
Antonio Fini and the National Ballet of Kosovo amazed the public on June 6 at Manhattanville University’s Little Theater with an outstanding performance. The program, called “Migrations,” was choreographed masterfully by Mr. Fini and was performed flawlessly and with remarkable energy by the dancers.
Organized by the Albanian American Educators Association, the evening started with a welcome and introduction by Jacqueline Kapaj-Vieira, Executive Director and President of the AAEA, followed by an award presentation to the Nika Family, which has done a lot to support Albanian American dance projects. Lucrezia Lindia and Nerieda Rama, respectively Vice President and Secretary of the AAEA, handed out the awards.
After that, the dancing started and took over the emotions of everyone present…
As the program stated, “In the choreography of “Migrations,” colors play a significant role. As the dancers move across the stage, layers of vibrant colors are added, representing the diverse cultures that migrants carry with them and acquire during their journey. These colors symbolize the richness and diversity that emerge from the encounter of different traditions and stories. A distinctive element of this performance is the use of Arbresh songs, which the dancers sing during their performance. These songs not only add an engaging musical element to the choreography but also represent a deep connection to the culture and roots of the Arbresh. The melodies and lyrics of the songs narrate the stories of a migrant community, evoking feelings of nostalgia, hope, and resilience.”
Mr. Fini, a dancer of Arbresh origins, which stands for Italian Albanian, chose to create this choreography to explore “the universal theme of migration through the language of movement”.
The effect was sensational also because the dancers reproduced the imagery with a flare and precision that was deeply appreciated by the public. The duet with Aulonë Nuhiu and Fatmir Smani was touching and complemented by a marvelous musical background. That was also a surprising factor in the performance: the songs may not have been understood by most of the public, being in a foreign language, but their sentiment was carried perfectly and was able to create a mood that clarified the dance representation evermore.
Another section, performed by Leonora Rexhepi, Sead Vuniqi, Fisnik Smani, and Kreshnik Musolli. was also enticing and matched by a superb song.
The final section was danced by a trio of women, Vjollca Llugiqi, Luljeta Ademi, and Mërgime Morina was as interesting and stunning as the other two.
Overall, Mr. Fini was able to convey his message very clearly and effectively, as he always does. The director of the National Ballet of Kosovo (Baleti Kombëtar I Kosovës), Sinan Kajtazi, is also to be complimented for his work and ability to ensure the positive outcome of the evening.
GALLERY
National Ballet of Kosovo (Baleti Kombëtar I Kosovës),
Director: Sinan Kajtazi
Dancers
01. Aulonë Nuhiu
02. Besarta Gashi
03. Drilon Podrimçaku
04. Donmir Bilall
05. Elmedina Berisha
06. Fatmir Smani
07. Fisnik Smani
08. lir Krasniqi
09. Jeta Musolli
10. Kreshnik Musolli
11. Leonora Rexhepi
12. Liridon Mziu
13. Luljeta Ademi
14. Marigonẽ Beha
15. Mërgime Morina
16. Muhamet Bikliqi
17. Blerta Fanaj
18. Sead Vuniqi
19. Vjollca Llugiqi
20. Vlora Prizreni
