“The Pulse of Life” performance in Nicosia, held on September 26 at the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, is a vibrant celebration of ancient traditions featuring frame drumming by Ianthi Sparsis and dervish dancing by Dervish Zeybek. This free event unites communities through rhythmic beats and spiritual whirling, honoring the connection between the earthly and divine in Cyprus’s rich cultural tapestry.
What is the significance of “The Pulse of Life” performance in Nicosia?
“The Pulse of Life” performance in Nicosia is a celebration of ancient traditions, showcasing the fusion of frame drumming and dervish dancing. It embodies the essence of creation and life’s cyclical nature through rhythmic beats and spiritual whirling, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the divine, and honoring the city’s cultural heritage.
A Fusion of Music and Movement
The city of Nicosia has been brimming with life and culture throughout the summer, hosting a series of cultural performances and movies under the stars. As the season changes, Faneromeni24 Arts Festival prepares to conclude with an inspiring musical and dance spectacle titled “The Pulse of Life.”
This upcoming performance is a unique collaboration bringing communities together. The Tribal Fusion Duet Moires, consisting of frame drummer Ianthi Sparsis and the Turkish Cypriot whirling dervish artist Dervish Zeybek, will lead the show. They will be joined by the Mystics Group of Dancers and the Women Frame Drumming group MA*GAIA, which promises to be a mesmerizing experience for all attendees.
A Celebration of Ancient Traditions
“The Pulse of Life” draws from a deep well of historical traditions that honor the sounds and movements of our ancestors. In Cyprus, the history of drumming and dance as central to worship and ritual is deeply embedded in the culture. The presence of statues depicting drummers and dancers in temples dedicated to the Great Goddess is a testament to this long-standing tradition.
The performance structure mirrors life’s cyclical nature, consisting of four distinct sections: In principle, Female Principle, Male Principle, and Union. From the universal heartbeat to the awakening of feminine and masculine energies, the production embodies the essence of creation and the perpetual dance of life.
The Beat of the Primordial Drum
At the heart of the performance lies the frame drum, considered one of the oldest musical instruments. Its deep connection to the Mother Goddess and its use in ancient worship practices signify the drum’s importance in historical spirituality. The audience will be treated to an auditory journey that begins with the primary pulse, a sound reminiscent of the heartbeat heard within the womb—a universal rhythm that resonates with every individual.
A Whirl of Color and Movement
Complementing the rhythmic beats, the art of dervish whirling, or Sufi spinning, will be another highlight. This practice, deeply spiritual in nature, symbolizes the motion of the planets in orbit and reflects the inner state of the performer. Zeybek’s performance as a whirling dervish is not just a dance but a physical act of meditation that captures the connection between the earthly and the divine.
The event is a closing homage to a summer filled with artistic expression and a reminder of the unbroken thread that connects modern-day Cyprus with its ancient past. Attendees will find themselves immersed in a rhythmic universe, experiencing the sacred union of sound and movement. This is a free event that invites everyone to witness the intertwining of cultural heritage and contemporary artistry. It’s an evening to remember, taking place at the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, on September 26 at 8:30 pm.
What is “The Pulse of Life” performance all about?
“The Pulse of Life” performance in Nicosia is a vibrant celebration of ancient traditions that combines frame drumming and dervish dancing. It symbolizes the connection between the earthly and divine, embodying the essence of creation and life’s cyclical nature through rhythmic beats and spiritual whirling. This event honors Cyprus’s rich cultural heritage and aims to unite communities through shared artistic expression.
Who are the featured artists in the performance?
The performance features a unique collaboration between frame drummer Ianthi Sparsis and whirling dervish artist Dervish Zeybek, forming the Tribal Fusion Duet Moires. They will be joined by the Mystics Group of Dancers and the Women Frame Drumming group MA*GAIA, promising a mesmerizing experience that celebrates the fusion of music and movement.
What can attendees expect from the performance?
Attendees can expect a captivating auditory and visual journey that comprises four distinct sections: In principle, Female Principle, Male Principle, and Union. The performance will highlight the primordial sound of the frame drum, reminiscent of the heartbeat, alongside the mesmerizing art of dervish whirling. This event serves as a closing homage to a summer of artistic expression, immersing the audience in a rhythmic universe that connects contemporary artistry with ancient traditions.
Is there an admission fee for the event?
No, “The Pulse of Life” is a free event, inviting everyone to join and witness the intertwining of cultural heritage and modern artistry. The performance will take place at the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation on September 26 at 8:30 pm, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all attendees.
