What happens when you combine the musical stylings of classical composer Johann Sebastian Bach with the urban art of break-dancing? German B-Boy Benny Kimoto and his award-winning Flying Steps crew speak to City Times about this weekend’s Red Bull Flying Bach performance
I am really impressed how Johann Sebastian Bach could compose such challenging music so long ago. It has a lot of very beautiful moments in it. Through our work with his compositions my respect towards him and his talent grew every day.
What part did classical music play in your life before working on Red Bull Flying Bach?
I never had any relation to classical music before; it just wasn’t my kind of music. But through this tour I learned to listen to it in a completely different way.
The show involves two worlds and two creative languages colliding. What challenge did this pose for you personally?
The hardest thing was to completely understand the music because you need to know the different voices and preludes perfectly. We are not dancing to the music, we are the music. We are visualizing it with our moves.
Where would be your dream destination for putting on the show?
We have already been in such amazing places and there are a lot more to come. But I think to perform on Broadway in New York would definitely be a dream.
Which moment in the show most gets your pulse racing?
The split second when the lights go off and you don’t know whether the audience enjoyed the performance or not.
Why should break-dancing fans come see the show?
We want to demonstrate to the audience that break-dancing can be much more than sports or street culture.
Do you think your show is helping youth gain new appreciation for classical music?
I think it is definitely a great opportunity for young people get in touch with classical music and for many it may be the first time they’re exposed to it.
What has been the best experience of being a part of Red Bell Flying Bach?
Red Bull has been supporting us since 2000 so we are all like a big family and are blessed to do such unique things.
Event details
What: Red Bull Flying Bach
When: Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 10pm
Where: Madinat Jumeirah, The First Group Theater, Dubai
Entry: Dhs250 available at Virgin Megastore Outlets and Madinat Jumeirah Box Office