By Tiziano Thomas Dossena

Antonio Fini and the National Ballet of Kosovo amazed the public on June 6 at Manhattanville University’s Little Theater with an outstanding performance. The program, called “Migrations,” was choreographed masterfully by Mr. Fini and was performed flawlessly and with remarkable energy by the dancers.

Organized by the Albanian American Educators Association, the evening started with a welcome and introduction by Jacqueline Kapaj-Vieira, Executive Director and President of the AAEA, followed by an award presentation to the Nika Family, which has done a lot to support Albanian American dance projects. Lucrezia Lindia and Nerieda Rama, respectively Vice President and Secretary of the AAEA, handed out the awards.

After that, the dancing started and took over the emotions of everyone present…

As the program stated, “In the choreography of “Migrations,” colors play a significant role. As the dancers move across the stage, layers of vibrant colors are added, representing the diverse cultures that migrants carry with them and acquire during their journey. These colors symbolize the richness and diversity that emerge from the encounter of different traditions and stories. A distinctive element of this performance is the use of Arbresh songs, which the dancers sing during their performance. These songs not only add an engaging musical element to the choreography but also represent a deep connection to the culture and roots of the Arbresh. The melodies and lyrics of the songs narrate the stories of a migrant community, evoking feelings of nostalgia, hope, and resilience.”

Mr. Fini, a dancer of Arbresh origins, which stands for Italian Albanian, chose to create this choreography to explore “the universal theme of migration through the language of movement”.

The effect was sensational also because the dancers reproduced the imagery with a flare and precision that was deeply appreciated by the public. The duet with Aulonë Nuhiu and Fatmir Smani was touching and complemented by a marvelous musical background. That was also a surprising factor in the performance: the songs may not have been understood by most of the public, being in a foreign language, but their sentiment was carried perfectly and was able to create a mood that clarified the dance representation evermore.

Another section, performed by Leonora Rexhepi, Sead Vuniqi, Fisnik Smani, and Kreshnik Musolli. was also enticing and matched by a superb song.

 The final section was danced by a trio of women, Vjollca Llugiqi, Luljeta Ademi and Mërgime Morina

was as interesting and stunning as the other two.

Overall, Mr. Fini was able to convey his message very clearly and effectively, as he always does. The director of the National Ballet of Kosovo (Baleti Kombëtar I Kosovës), Sinan Kajtazi, is also to be complimented for his work and ability to ensure the positive outcome of the evening.

GALLERY

National Ballet of Kosovo (Baleti Kombëtar I Kosovës),

Director: Sinan Kajtazi 

Dancers 

01. Aulonë Nuhiu

02. Besarta Gashi 

03. Drilon Podrimçaku 

04. Donmir Bilall

05. Elmedina Berisha

06. Fatmir Smani

07. Fisnik Smani

08. lir Krasniqi 

09. Jeta Musolli

10. Kreshnik Musolli

11. Leonora Rexhepi

12. Liridon Mziu

13. Luljeta Ademi

14. Marigonẽ Beha

15. Mërgime Morina

16. Muhamet Bikliqi

17. Blerta Fanaj

18. Sead Vuniqi

19. Vjollca Llugiqi

20. Vlora Prizreni