2020 SO CAL DANCE INVITATIONAL PERFORMING COMPANIES AND PROGRAM
AkomiDance
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SYZYGIES
Choreography: Marie Hoffman
Dancers: Anthony Aceves, Katie Cloak, Elena Gillogly, Cara Laughlin, Amber Morales, Alex Rasmussen, Matt Wiley, Claire Zabaneh
Music: Balmorhea
Costumes: Amy Walper
Light Designer: Chris Caputo
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ABOUT THE PIECE
Syzygies, the signature work of AkomiDance Co-Artistic Director Marie Hoffman, was created with the express purpose of showcasing the athleticism and technical virtuosity of the Akomi dancers. In addition, the movement is inspired by the music and Marie has attempted to physically manifest Balmorhea’s melodic and driving instrumentation throughout the work. Syzygies has been described as “powerful and joyous” (Louise Reichlin, LA C&D); it is a work that the Akomi dancers have claimed as their own and one they very much enjoy performing whenever given the opportunity.
Dennzyl Green
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A^SCENSION
Choreography: Dennzyl Green
Dancers: Laura Chavez, Kairah Jibri, Alondra Perez, Marin Asano, Trinity Ruelas, Ricardo Ramos- Morales, Madelyn Downs, Johanna Duffy, Nicole Potts, Katie Sovik, Katie Munder, Emily Upcraft
Music: Zoë Keating
Costumes: Toria Snow
Light Designer: Clayton Fournival
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ABOUT THE PIECE
Inspired by the works of Twyla Tharp, the piece is an exploration of a society where conflicting ideas hinder the progression of unity to an “ideal” state of being. These overlapping stances create tension between the individuals because of the lack of cohesion.
Evan Rosenblatt and Dancers
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THE BACK OF BEYOND
Choreography: Evan Rosenblatt
Dancers: Evan Rosenblatt and Bethana Rosenblatt
Music: Haxon Cloak, Scanner
Costumes: Evan Rosenblatt
Light Designer: Heather Romanowski
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ABOUT THE PIECE
The Back of Beyond is a piece that deals with the theme of boundaries and relationship to the unknown. The dance explores how a large wall (symbolic or literal) shapes the behaviors, experiences, and actions of the 2 people it separates. The work begins by witnessing the different worlds/personas of the dancers that exist on either side of the wall through a series of solos, as we see their reaction to its imposition. It ultimately builds to both dancers finding themselves on the same side of the wall, having to confront what was previously unseen and unknown (each other).
FUSE Dance Company
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DANCA, MUSICORUM, RITMO
Choreography: Joshua D. Estrada-Romero
Dancers: Leann Alduenda, Samuel DeAngelo, Kathy Duran, Stormy Gaylord, Matthew Kindig, Stephanie Lin
Music: Faraualla
Costumes: Joshua D. Estrada-Romero
Light Designer: Debra Lockwood
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ABOUT THE PIECE
This piece was inspired by the musical score and developing a work for the pure enjoyment for movement. I looked to explore new movement inspired by the artists vocals and layer my own choreographic voice on top of that. I chose this music hoping it would help engage our audience members and feel like they are a part of the work, wanting to move and groove to the music.
Goblin Party USA
NORI
Choreography: Hyoin Jun and Jisu Jeon
Dancers: Hyoin Jun & Jisu Jeon
Music: Salpuri / Eunjung Cho
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ABOUT THE PIECE
Nori is Korean means ‘to play’ in English. This dance is created through blending traditional dance movements of Korea with contemporary dance. Therefore the dance can be seen as 'contemporary Korean dance'. Korean Dance movements of tightrope walking, shoulder dance, traditional puppet dance, and drawing curves with hands were mixed with contemporary dance while focusing to play with the unpredictable sound of Korean traditional instrument, Kayakum.
Jana Taylor + Dancers
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LITTLE SCREAMING FACT
Choreography: Jana Taylor
Dancers: Jamie Carr, Priya Chisti, Katie Cloak, Daniel Diaz, Ava Gordy, Jana Taylor
Music: Audio excerpts from the novel The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and "A fuoco" by Ludovico Einaudi
Costumes: Allison Castellano, Daniel Diaz, and Jana Taylor
Light Design: Jody Caley
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ABOUT THE PIECE
“And the little screaming fact that sounds through all history: repression works only to strengthen and knit the repressed.” --The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Set to audio excerpts from the novel, this piece explores the experiences of the American migrants during the 1930’s Dust Bowl, and aims to draw a parallel between that time in our country’s history and the current experiences of refugees and immigrants in our country today. Themes of imminent change, struggle, exclusion, repression, disconnection with the land and with each other are explored through modern dance.
Jazz Spectrum
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WOMEN OF SPIRIT SOUND
Choreography: Christine Baltes, Re-stage by Janell Burgess
Dancers: Leann Alduenda, Teresa Jankovic, Karissa Thoma, Janell Burgess
Music: Micki Hart
Costumes: Tomo Swan
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ABOUT THE PIECE
Deeply rooted in classical jazz technique, “Women of Spirit Sound” is dynamic and precise. The women in this piece represent the power of female energy, the life force that women bring to this world. Representing all women, past and present, these dancers represent the guidance that we feel from the nurturing female spirit and the strength and love a woman endlessly gives to others. “Women of Spirit Sound” are the heartbeat and light that women shine on this earth.
Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre
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ALWAYS THERE FOR ME
Choreography: Nannette Brodie
Dancers: Matt Reiner, Teresa Rios
Music: The Section Quartet
Costumes: Nannette Brodie
Light Designer: Jody Caley
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ABOUT THE PIECE
This duet is about a young playful relationship with its silly moments, along with the tender moments. It could be about that first-love kind of friendship or brother/sister rivalry. I dedicate it to my father, an adagio dancer, who always reminded me that the audience wants to be delighted as well as inspired. "Give them a few laughs!" he said.
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FLEDGLING
Choreography: Stephanie Maxim
Dancers: Priya Chisti
Costumes: Diane DeFranco Brown
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ABOUT THE PIECE
FLEDGLING, is the journey of a young bird into maturity. Starting from infancy and moving into a timid little bird with insecurities - cautious and learning about the world around her. As she stumbles through the awkwardness of adolescence, she becomes stronger and more sure of each step she takes emerging into the beautiful being she is meant to be.
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THE LIGHTHOUSE
Choreography: Jennie Sustaita
Dancers: NBDT Company Members
Costumes: Jennie Sustaita
Light Designer: Jody Caley
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ABOUT THE PIECE
This work is for a cast of five dancers and follows a personal journey of personal challenges.
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VIENTOS DE ANDALUSIA
Choreography: Nannette Brodie & Company
Dancers: Priya Chisti, AJ Dirickson, Dennzyl Green, Rebecca Martin, Stephanie Maxim, Matthew Reiner, Teresa Rios, Erica Villalpando
Music: Adam Hurst, Spanish Trance, Caravan Rhythms
Costumes: Nannette Brodie and Elias Roldan
ABOUT THE PIECE
VIENTOS DE ANDALUSIA means the winds of Andalusia in Spain. It depicts the journey from Africa, by the Moors, into Spain centuries ago. They brought their design, architecture, music and their own gypsy style of dance and music which then influenced the Flamenco style. There are images of processions of the Virgin Mary and the adoration by the people, there is romance and the beauty of women as seen by Spanish men and it ends with a very rhythmic section similar to Flamenco, yet Moroccan, very full of spark and drama.
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