Category: Dance

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Cirque Mechanics

The creators of Birdhouse Factory transport you to the 1865 mining town of Rosebud, where an unlikely discovery sets off a series of hilarious and unexpected events full of the lore, excitement, and adventure of the Old West! Cirque Mechanics is an extraordinary troupe of Cirque du Soleil, Pickle Family Circus, and Moscow Circus veterans who transform the mundane into the magnificent.

A New York Times reader characterizes this troupe in superlative terms: ” Without a word these artists tell an inspiring story of change and new possibilities, showcasing their remarkable talents in a family-friendly, impressive, and awesome show featuring acrobatics, dance, balancing, juggling, ropes, trapeze, and other phenomenal skills.” More Information

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Philadanco Dance Company

Fusing ballet, modern, jazz, and ethnic dance, Philadanco exhibits sizzling energy and enjoys international renown. The centerpiece of this performance is Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s new work, “By Way of the Funk,” set to the music of the Funkadelics and Parliament. This work offers a joyous celebration of forty years of Philadanco’s contributions to American dance.

“Philadanco is a company of happy, invigorating contrasts. At 26, this Philadelphia-based troupe is a venerable institution in dance terms. But the company has not lost its youthful verve or the freshness of its strong technical grounding” (The New York Times). More Information

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Rosa

Across the nation and around the world, PHILADANCO is celebrated for its innovation, creativity and preservation of predominantly African-American traditions in dance. For this engagement they will perform Rosa – a vivid tribute to Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks, who refused to sit in the segregated back of the bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Six women of Philadanco perform this modern contemporary ballet that includes audience participation and discussion. Recommended for Grades 3 – 8. Running time: 60 minutes.

Curriculum Connections: Modern dance, Civil Rights Movement, Personal and political convictions

More Information

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Pilobolus

This collaborative dance company is acclaimed for its mix of humor, invention, and drama. Drawing inspiration from biology, Pilobolus has created a dance vocabulary all its own. Their smooth, organic choreography often blurs the lines between individual performers, creating a sense of dance-troupe-as-organism.

About Pilobolus, The New York Times writes, “the continuity of changing imagery, the easy sensuousness and the wonderful push-me-pull-you surprises of the physicality: These still seem to come right out of their makers” dreams and into ours.” More Information

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Mazowsze

An ensemble of 90 dancers, musicians, and singers, mazowsze is a thrilling display of dazzling movement, vibrant color and stunning beauty. Mazowsze whirls, leaps, stamps and glides in a glorious outpouring of sound and motion, rhythm, and music that celebrates the cultural legacy of Poland. A full 23-member orchestra performs music ranging from Chopin to simple folk melodies beloved by the Poles for centuries.

“The material that the singers and dancers present – 28 numbers here – is lilting and vigorous, and filled with humor. But most of all, the Mazowsze performers look genuinely pleased and proud to be doing what they do. Their delight in themselves and the audience is infectious” (The New York Times). More Information

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Scenes from the Ramayana in Kathakali Dance Theater

Three outstanding artists from India’s most prestigious dance academy The Kerala Kalamandalam present a lecture demonstration bringing to life the mythic characters from the story of Ramayana. Be enthralled as the dancer C. Shanmukham portrays the role of Hanuman (divine Monkey), Ravana (demon king) and other beings with vividly painted face and in an incredible costume by traditional artist Mr. Sukumaran. The accompanying narrative by KalaMandalam scholar Vishwanath Kaladharan will relate the incidents in the story.

Kathakali is a spectacular combination of drama, dance, music and ritual that is rarely seen in the West. This will be a first time presentation of this art form in the Five College area.

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Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

This innovative dance company with a solid foundation in classical ballet has made a lasting impression with ten versatile, energetic dancers performing a sophisticated repertoire featuring some of the world’s foremost choreographers. International appearances and touring throughout the United States have earned the company glowing reviews and enthusiastic audience receptions. “A breath of fresh air,” says a New York Times reviewer. “One looks forward to a return visit.”

“Sue’s Leg” was made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts’ American Masterpieces: Dance Initiative, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts.

Friday, April 30
Concert Hall 8:00 PM
$35, $30, $15, Five College/GCC/STCC students and Youth 17 and under: $15

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Black Grace Dance Company

The all-male dance company Black Grace boasts some of New Zealand’s finest and most respected contemporary dancers. Predominantly Pacific Island and Maori, this company is renowned for its unique ability to combine their traditional and contemporary dance forms. They were a hit at Jacobs Pillow several years ago. If you missed them then, you must experience them now!

Tuesday, March 9
Concert Hall 7:30 PM
$40, $30, $15, Five College/GCC/STCC students and Youth 17 and under: $15

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Ballet Folklórico de México

Ballet Folklórico de México sets itself apart by combining their artists’ talents with the traditional music, elaborate dance and ornate costumes of Mexican culture. The result is a stunning performance that disseminates the rich tradition and folklore of Mexico throughout the world. The New York Times calls Ballet Folklórico de México’s performance, “a fast-paced, entertaining show that can make viewers want to rush right off to Mexico.”

Tuesday, March 2
Concert Hall 7:30 PM
$35, $25, $15, Five College/GCC/STCC students and Youth 17 and under: $15

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Mark Morris Dance Group

Mark Morris’s company of exuberant dancers lives up to its reputation of wit, grace, and a refined musicality that is further reinforced by Morris’s use of live musicians in every performance. It is not just dance at the highest level, but simultaneously, concert-going at the highest level—a perfect blend of sound and movement, all happening in the moment. Sublime.

Tuesday, February 2
Concert Hall 7:30 PM
$40, $30, $15, Five College/GCC/STCC and Youth 17 and under: $15