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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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