Cultural fusion evening at the Boardwalk: Tango shares stage with local dances |27 March 2014

Locals and visitors alike were treated to a fusion of tango and sega dance performances last Friday evening at the Boardwalk bar & restaurant at Eden Island.

Two professional tango dancers from a visiting cruise yacht and a group of dancers from the School of Dance put on a dazzling show that captivated the audience.

The dance was part of an evening of culture spearheaded by the Italian tour operator Horca Myseria which is based in Milan and operates a luxury yacht in Seychelles for two months of the year. The yacht, Indigo, has been cruising in Seychelles waters for the past 20 years.

This year, they decided to incorporate something new during their cruise – a tango theme which lasted from March 14 to 23. Two professional tango dancers, Monica Maria Fumagalia and Yatma Diallo from Italy were invited on board to not only perform the dance but give classes to passengers who were interested in that form of dance.

The Seychelles Tourism Board’s (STB) marketing director, Rose-Marie Hoareau, said that the STB was informed by Horca Myseria that the yacht Indigo would be docking at the Eden Marina, and that it was interested in organising an event.

“We decided that rather than just having the tango dancers perform, we would also share our culture and bring local dancers from the School of Dance to show their skills,” said Ms Hoareau.

The cultural fusion night took off with the Seychellois dancers performing our traditional dances such as kanmtole, sega and moutya and were followed by Monica and Yatma sharing the spotlight with their own tango dances. The two groups alternated, and were later available for those who wanted to learn any dance steps.

According to the STB there couldn’t have been a more perfect venue for their cultural fusion night than the Boardwalk, a popular spot among locals and visitors alike for partying, dancing and socialising.

A.A.