Choreographer, dancer, and one of the foremost pioneers of the modern dance movement Martha Graham called dance “the hidden language of the soul.” That language will be explored extensively when the Branigan Cultural Center again hosts the International Day of Dance, a showcase for local choreographers and dancers. Presented in collaboration with the Mira! Las Cruces event on Saturday, April 29, the International Day of Dance will swoop gracefully across the Rio Grande Theatre stage, from 6 – 10 p.m.
Experience a wide selection of dance styles, as professional choreographers from the region step up to showcase their work through the poetry and movement of local dancers and dance troupes. Among the many dance forms on display will be Tango, Paso Doble, the Viennese Waltz, the Cha Cha, Salsa, Swing, Bachata, West Coast Swing and more. All in the distinctive styles of the sequence composers.
Making appearances at this year’s event are the Las Cruces Chamber Ballet, joined by the Chrysalis Contemporary Dance Company from Michele’s Dance Academy. Belly dancing mainstays, Las Cruces own Jewels of the Desert will also join in the fun, as will Ballet Folklorico las Perlitas de Pueblo, and the NMSU Dance Program. Other dance troupes scheduled to take the stage are El Paso ballroom dance academy AM Ballroom, Golden Divas, and “America’s favorite line dance team,” the Boot Boogie Babes.
In the world of dance, fire and light performances are a very popular addition to any show, and have probably been around longer than most forms of movement. Representing this thrilling faction of dancers will be the quirky showstopping Odd-Lab, whose fire and LED performances never fail to please. Joining them will be Hipshum Fire Fusion, the El Paso-based dance troupe focused primarily on LED/glow arts, as well as award-winning fire and hoop artist FireFox Productions.
Opening the show will be the New World Drummers, led by Karuna Warren and featuring one of the largest drum, dance and song ensembles in the country.
The International Dance Day was established on April 29 in 1982 by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) to highlight the amazing diversity and talent of dancers all over the globe. This date was chosen because it marks the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), who is widely regarded as the father of modern ballet. The distinction here is that Noverre created classical, or romantic ballet, which should not be confused with contemporary ballet. Either way, the designated day encompasses all forms of choreography and dance.
For more information about the free International Day of Dance event at the Rio Grande Theatre, visit the website.
Posted by LasCruces.com
