‘Dub,’ Amala Dianor’s tribute to urban dance

“Dub”, by Amala Dianor, at the Palais des festivals, in Cannes (southern France), in December 2023. PIERRE GONDARD A dull, throbbing beat rises from the basement of the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris. It seems to come from a door surrounded by fluorescent turquoise that we dream of passing through. To what other world, whose echo creeps into the auditorium, is it the gateway? Is it the heartbeat of a parallel universe making its way to us? The underground noise of a city that never sleeps? Of a distant party whose muffled electric effluvia lingers on? This deep pulse is the springboard for Dub, created for 11 performers by hip-hop choreographer Amala Dianor. On Wednesday, December 11, this opus clattering with power and community momentum opens with a solo by Indian traditions expert Sangram Mukhopadhyay, whose understanding of gesture bursts with sensual rigor. It is soon pierced by the relentless beats of musician and DJ Awir Leon at the helm of his live electronic set. With no time to catch your breath, you’re off to a climax of dancing pleasure. Euphoria! Intoxication of gesture and virtuosity! Dub kicks off the kind of urban dance tribute we see regularly. It...