videoDanny Keane 'Ajoyo' by Ian Roderick GrayMovement and philosophy are explored in Ian Roderick Gray's spectacular mini-doc for Danny Keane. Remotely directed by Gray in London and shot in Mexico by DoP Pablo Rojo, the film focuses on Rojo's mother, the dancer Maité Guadarrama, and her philosophy on dance, intimately capturing her graceful movements and innermost thoughts in and around her beautiful house in Oaxaca, Mexico.Celebrating rhythm and the joy of being alive, the six-minute piece incorporates Q+A style questions and answers, dance solos and intimate portraits of Maité, who is clearly enamoured with the artform and the freedom she has to express herself everyday. Taking on a documentary-style format and shooting style, Rojo captures the spontaneity of the movement with zestful energy, and the unique relationship he has with the subject allows a certain freedom and access that might not be possible under different circumstances.Ajoyo is the first collaboration between Ian Roderick Gray and artist Danny Keane, and a film that transcends borders and celebrates diversity. Ajoyo shows that dancing is not restricted by environment, class or location, but can truly be performed anywhere, at any time and by anyone who feels rhythm - a true celebration of the power and universality of the artform.
Rob Ulitski - 21st Dec 2020