Rhythm of The Dance is one of the shows you can enjoy at Hodjapasha. The cultural center was once a bathhouse that is now converted into a dance theater. It is a place where tourists from all over the world come to admire Turkish arts. Hodjapasha lies in the heart of old Constantinople – Eminönü. The place is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. In addition, you will surely have a chance to admire some picturesque views on the way. Secure your seat by buying your tickets online.
4D Experience
Watching Rhythm of The Dance performance at Hodjapasha cultural center is a 4D experience. It includes the dance, 360˚ animations around the theater and physical effects such as smoke and wind. The show lasts around 70 minutes and is one uninterrupted part. I was so focused on the dancers and their movements I found it hard to take my eyes off them and make notes. Here are the reasons for that.
Diversity of Turkish Culture Reflected in One Show
Turkey is a mixture of many elements from different cultures, and the Rhythm of The Dance performance reflects it. The show consists of Ottoman dances, Zeybek dances, Roman Gypsy Dances, Balkan dances and more. It is amazing how all these different styles co-exist on stage in complete unity. Despite being such a combination, the performance tells one story. There is always a bridge between one dance and another. The audience is not only charmed with costumes and decorations but also caught up in the plot of the story. Animations on the walls add some context to the dance and have some sensuous qualities. I will always remember the fire dance act. The dancer was amazing by himself, but the addition of animations and sound effects of a thunderstorm made his performance unforgettable.
You Won’t Get Bored
The dancers used strategies to keep the audience interested. I loved how they built tension. Especially during the belly dance. First, you get to hear the music. Then you see the drummer. Next, the dancer appears on the stage. She is invisible to the audience. When the music speeds up, she comes closer and closer. In the end, she gives a wonderful performance and the audience can fully enjoy it. Furthermore, people in the theater are also involved in making music. All of this guarantees a lot of amusement.
Expressing the Inexpressible
When the show started and I heard the music, I immediately remembered ‘Every Way That I Can’ – the song that won Eurovision for Turkey in 2003. Rhythm of the Dance is just like this song. It tells you a lot about the culture but is also appealing to the modern viewer. The show is something everybody will enjoy. The dance, the lights, the music, the smell of the theater all combine into a memorable performance. It is hard to express the beauty of the dance in words. It all comes to Mevlana and what I learned during the dervishes’ performance on my previous trip to Hodjapasha. Only dance can express the inexpressible. In order to appreciate its beauty, you need to experience it yourself.
Hodjapasha Cultural Center
Ankara Caddesi Hocapaşa Hamamı Sok No: 3.B, Sirkeci — Istanbul
https://www.hodjapasha.com/en/