K.I.S.S.

★★★★★★
“It’s almost unbelievable that the three dancers – Nadja Bounenni, Giulia Quacqueri and Paulína Šmatláková – haven’t danced together for years. The soundtrack is as diverse as the performance itself, from intimate guitar tones to clubby funk and electronic string music. Just as complex and full of contrasts as the modern woman! DON GNU have long been known for their masculine, physical universe, but “K.I.S.S.” shows that women can not only join in – they can redefine the space. And with humor, energy and a large dose of self-irony, the show proves that the themes are universal. Because whether it’s about power, gender or something as simple as a woolly sock, we are all part of the same dance.”
– Kulturkongen.dk (read the whole review – in Danish)

★★★★★
“DON GNU challenges the balance in the performance ‘K.I.S.S.’ at Bora Bora. Three performers, each with their own weight and gravity, challenge it with loving strokes to the clumsiness and awkwardness of life. The place where we humans try to find a grimace that fits, while at the same time recognizing in our quiet minds that we are just too awkward, too lopsided, too small, too big or whatever we imagine. (…) This evening’s performance has a fine palette of physical lyricism. Offering dance that weaves in and out of the comic moments. With slapstick and characterization and physical challenge of the law of gravity, the women spice up the party with acrobatics, humor and the sweetness of awkward embraces.”
– Kulturnyt.net (read the whole review – in Danish)

★★★★
“Physically, it is impressive what the three female dancers in “K.I.S.S.” are capable of. Several times they perform movements that seem physically impossible.”
– JP Aarhus (read the whole review – in Danish)

“So whether you love modern dance or you, like the reviewer, are new to dance theater, we here at Kapellet recommend that you take a trip to Bora Bora and spend a good hour of your life here. At least people in Aarhus have discovered this, because even though the reviewer was unable to attend the premiere, almost every seat in the hall was occupied this evening. Take the chance and maybe you’ll discover, like me, that dance theater can be entertaining, fun, impressive and not least quite enchanting. It’s amazing to experience this kind of performance live in the same room you’re in.”
– Kulturkapellet (read the whole review – in Danish)

Artist talk on March 7th with the performers

After the performance on March 7, Bora Bora invites you to an artist talk with dancers Nadja Bounenni, Giulia Quacqueri and Paulína Šmatláková about experiences, art and humor across borders. The three female dancers from different corners of Europe share their experiences of what it means to be a woman in a male-dominated world. The event is presented in collaboration with Århundredets Festival.

Co-director Kamilla Wargo (in Danish)

The performers (in English)