The prize fighter

Former boxer Heddy Maalem takes aim with African-inspired take on dance's 'Rite of Spring'

(Timothy A. Clary / AFP / Getty Images) Dancers from the Compagnie Heddy Maalem perform a scene from "Le Sacre du Printemps" ("The Rite of Spring"). Heddy Maalem and his dance company bring an African perspective to "The Rite of Spring."

By Valerie Gladstone

Globe Correspondent / June 20, 2008

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NEW YORK - On the darkened stage, two dancers tentatively touch each other to the sounds of falling rain and distant thunder. Images of lush scenery appear on a screen behind them. It seems to be daybreak. As the man lifts the woman to his shoulders, a bassoon plays the first, plaintive notes of Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring." Then ... (Full article: 1012 words)