Written by admin, Apr 30, 2014, Comments Off
Courtesy Steve Harmon,
(Laredo, Tx)-The impressive artistry and powerful physicality of contemporary dance will be on display April 28-May 2 at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) as the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) returns to TAMIU’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ (CFPA) Theatre.
This is the second year the beloved 14-member troupe visits TAMIU on its Spring performance tour, offering master classes, two student performances and a culminating dance concert, “Celebration of a Legacy,” honoring the DBDT’s founder and artistic director, Ann M. Williams, on Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the CFPA Theatre. Admission to the dance concert is free of charge and open to the public.
The evening’s program includes “Una Familia, Todos Unidos,” evoking the times and spirits of Civil Rights icons César Chavéz and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; “His Grace,” an exaltation to the late President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and a special tribute to the legacy of legendary artist Marvin Gaye, among other selections.
The performance is funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts, TAMIU Housing and Residence Life, Guillermo Benavides Z and the National Endowment for the Arts DBDT members have also prepared a special surprise performance for TAMIU students on Tuesday, April 29 at noon in the Student Center.
The DBDT has performed for over 3 million art patrons and 2 million students over five continents. Founded in 1976 by Ann Williams, art director, DBDT’s mission is to create and produce contemporary modern dance at its highest level of artistic excellence. It is celebrating its 37th season as the oldest, continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas.
Bede Leyendecker, TAMIU chair of the department of fine and performing arts, said the DBDT’s appearance in Laredo is a rare and remarkable community opportunity to experience professional contemporary dance.
“This is such an amazing opportunity for the dancers in our community and students, in addition to the community at large. The DBDT are a powerful force in dance today. We had huge, appreciative audiences at last year’s magical performances — from school children to local dancers and community members — who were simply amazed. Come and be amazed again,” Leyendecker said.
For additional information, contact the TAMIU department of fine and performing arts at 326.2649, email bleyendecker@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, suite 217.
