DESERT DANCE PERFORMS ON FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY!

The Fourth Annual Flagstaff Performance Arts and Film Festival is here!  Gina Darlington and Jayne Lee are at it once again.  They are again presenting a Gala Festival concert featuring local and guest dance groups in performance May 3 & 4 at 7:30 pm at the Clifford E. White Theater on NAU Campus.  Donations accepted at the door.

As part of the festival, Canyon Movement Company (CMC) will be celebrating 20 years of dance in Flagstaff. They will present repertory from 1993-2013 in this evening of dance at the Flagstaff Performance Arts and Film Festival.  Former dancers performing and attending will highlight this year’s festival.  Kristen Widmer McBride, one of the founding members will be performing along with Gina and Jayne.  Sarah Cook Johnston and Lindy Tannenbaum will be re-staging “Furbellowed Funnel” (2002) and a local favourite “Bus Stop” (2003) will be performed by the company as well.

In addition to CMC, there will be six local and regional companies including Human Nature Dance Theatre, Canyon Dance Academy’s Velocity Dance Company, Coconino Community College’s Encore Dance Company, Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy, Tango artist Pedro Arandia, Desert Dance Theatre (Tempe), Step’s Junk Funk (Mesa), and the Carpet Bag Brigade (San Francisco).   They will present two evenings of innovative, unique, and intriguing new works.

Also this year!  A Disney Audition workshop by former CMC dancer Sarah Roberts Cooke on Saturday at 2:30 pm (Canyon Dance Academy), and a Tango workshop by Pedro Arandia, internationally renowned Tango artist at 2 pm Sunday at Human Nature Dance Studio.

More information can be obtained on www.fpaff.org

Please contact Gina Darlington cmcgina1@gmail.com or Jayne Lee jayne@humannature.ws for more information.

www.canyonmovementcompany.org
www.canyondance.org
928-774-3937
2013 = 20 Years of modern dance in Flagstaff with Canyon Movement Company!

The post Desert Dance Performs in Flagstaff (Friday Only) appeared first on desertdancetheatre.org.

Free Master Class by Janet Wong (Associate Artistic Director of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company)
Hosted by Desert Dance Theatre & Arizona Dance Coalition, Sponsored by ASU Gammage

Monday, April 22, 2013
Dance Theater West, 3925 East Indian School Road, Phoenix
6:00pm-8:00pm

FREE!
RSVP Required. Space Limited!  Call or text Lisa at 602-740-9616 or email Lisa@DesertDanceTheatre.org.

BILL T. JONES/ARNIE ZANE DANCE COMPANY PERFORMS AT ASU GAMMAGE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH AT 7:00PM (PRE-SHOW BEGINS AT 6:00PM). Arizona Dance Coalition (ADC) Members can save $10 on regular priced $35 ticket (ADC Members pay $25).

Class Description:
Geared towards strong pre-professional and professional dancers, this technique class will be based on the style and movement sensibility developed by Bill T. Jones and Janet Wong. We will cultivate precision, range, and the ability to cover space in movement, integrating and borrowing values from modern, postmodern, and classical traditions. We’ll also focus on remaining a thinking, feeling human being that makes choices with genuine consequences throughout the process of moving. Full bodied and challenging physicality will be the point of departure for our time together.

Instructor Bio:
Janet Wong has served as Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company’s rehearsal director since 1995, and has participated in all artistic decision-making, including programming, casting and training. Wong studied ballet in Hong Kong and graduated from London’s Royal Ballet School, which she attended on scholarship. After performing for eight years with the Berlin Opera Ballet, becoming a soloist in 1990, she moved to New York City. She first performed with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in 1993.

Janet Wong has served as the company’s rehearsal director since 1995, and has participated in all artistic decision-making, including programming, casting and training. Wong studied ballet in Hong Kong and graduated from London’s Royal Ballet School, which she attended on scholarship. After performing for eight years with the Berlin Opera Ballet, becoming a soloist in 1990, she moved to New York City. She first performed with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in 1993.

The post Free Master Class by Janet Wong of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company appeared first on desertdancetheatre.org.

888

8 Spring dances @ 8:00pm for $8.00

Phoenix Center for the Arts
Main Stage
1202 N. 3rd St. Phoenix, AZ 85004

phoenixcenterforthearts.org

Join us for this improptu performance at Phoenix Center for the Arts.  Come and enjoy the Spring of Dance by Dulce Dance Company, Desert Dance Theatre, Kaleidoscope Dance, and Movement Source Dance Company and Kyle Taylor.

Performers choreographers are:
Candy Jimenez/Dulce Dance Company
Amber Robbins/ Kaleidoscope Dance
Lisa Chow/Desert Dance Theatre
Step Raptis/Steps Junk Funk
Claire Renaud/Movement Source Dance Company

The post Desert Dance Performs as Guest Artists in 888 appeared first on desertdancetheatre.org.

Tuesday! Guinea West Africa Dance & Drum Class with Aly Cisse

Aly Cisse and a few brothers from the Cavalia Odysseo cast are in town for a couple of days. They will teach a Guinea West Africa Dance & Drum Class.on Tuesday, April 9th at 7:30pm-9:00pm at Dance Theater West, 3925 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.

Suggested donation $15 (or pay what you can)

Please RSVP at  Lisa@DesertDanceTheatre.org or call/text me at 602-740-9616. Please leave your name, email and cell number.

CHECK THIS OUT!!!
The cast of Odysseo recently appeared on the Jay Leno show. Click on the link to see Aly and brothers do the human pyramid towards the middle of the performance:
Cavalia Odysseo Cast on Jay Leno Show

The post Tuesday! Guinea West Africa Dance & Drum Class with Aly Cisse appeared first on desertdancetheatre.org.

SISTER MOSES: THE STORY OF HARRIET TUBMAN

Saturday, February 23, 2013
7:30pm

Paradise Valley Community College, Center for the Performing Arts,
18401 North 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032

$15 adults; $12 seniors/staff; $10 military/student; $8 children
**An additional $2 ticketing fee applied to all tickets purchased at the box office 1 hour prior to the performance.

PVCC Box Office 602-787-7738 or paradisevalley.edu/cpa

Purchase Tickets Online (Click Here)

Sister Moses Celebrates 21st Season!

Desert Dance Theatre presents “Sister Moses: The Story of Harriet Tubman” for its 21st Season on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the Paradise Valley Community College Center for the Performing Arts, 18401 North 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032.

The show will open with performances of Desert Dance Theatre repertory and songs of freedom by the Sister Moses choral ensemble. The featured performance of Sister Moses will follow after intermission.

“Sister Moses” is a beautiful story of a courageous woman’s determination to free her people from slavery through the Underground Railroad. She was one of America’s first liberated woman of color, who fought against all odds for the sake of freedom and equality. This powerful dance drama features Desert Dance Theatre with Renee Davis as Harriet Tubman, dramatic narration by Renee Morgan Brooks, African drumming and music direction by Step Raptis, accompaniment by a string quartet and traditional spirituals sung by a choral ensemble featuring baritone soloist, Greg Dansby. Community talent in the production including dance students from Paradise Valley Community College, Grand Canyon University, Bologna Elementary and other Chandler schools will perform along with the professional cast. “Sister Moses” promises to entertain and enlighten its audiences.

Desert Dance Theatre is a contemporary dance company known for its diverse modern dance repertory, interdisciplinary collaborations, and major thematic productions which address important historical as well as current issues.

Don’t miss this exciting performance of music, dance and drama!

Questions? For concert information contact Desert Dance Theatre, 480-962-4584 or go to www.DesertDanceTheatre.org.

READ THIS ARTICLE:

“Students explore history through dance”

FROM RAISING ARIZONA KIDS

By Lynn Trimble | January 29, 2013

http://www.raisingarizonakids.com/2013/01/students-explore-history-through-dance/

The post SISTER MOSES: The Story of Harriet Tubman appeared first on desertdancetheatre.org.

Guinea West African Dance & Drum Class by Aly Cisse
Hosted by Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with Desert Dance Theatre

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
7380 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale AZ 85251

6:30pm Check-in & Registration
7:00pm-8:30pm Class
Cost: $15 (Suggested Donation)
RSVP Required. Must have at least 15 participants or class may be canceled. Class size limited so reserve your space today!

Call or text Lisa at 602-740-9616 or email Lisa@DesertDanceTheatre.org.

Aly Cisse was born in Guinea Conakry, West Africa. He grew up learning his country’s native dances, the kora, and drums. When Aly was fifteen, he moved to France and began performing as an acrobat, dancer, and drummer in Circus Boabab. He moved to Germany for five years learning to perform on the pole and performing with Circus Africa Africa. Cavalia discovered Aly and contracted him to travel and perform in the Odesseo Show. He performs African dance, plays drums, sings, and executes amazing acrobat choreography in the show! The show originated in Montreal and has traveled to Atlanta, Toronto, Mexico City, and was currently in Scottsdale until February 10, 2013. Then the show will travel to Burbank and then Ontario.

—————————-

Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Dance Theater West, 3925 East Indian School Road, Phoenix
6:00pm-7:30pm

Cost: $10
RSVP Required. Must have at least 10 participants or class may be canceled.
Call or text Lisa at 602-740-9616 or email Lisa@DesertDanceTheatre.org.

Aly Cisse was born in Guinea Conakry, West Africa. He grew up learning his country’s native dances, the kora, and drums. When Aly was fifteen, he moved to France and began performing as an acrobat, dancer, and drummer in Circus Boabab. He moved to Germany for five years learning to perform on the pole and performing with Circus Africa Africa. Cavalia discovered Aly and contracted him to travel and perform in the Odysseo Show. He performs African dance, plays drums, sings, and executes amazing acrobat choreography in the show! The show originated in Montreal and has traveled to Atlanta, Toronto, Mexico City, and is currently in Scottsdale until February 10, 2013. Then the show will leave for Burbank and then Ontario.

CAVALIA PRESS RELEASE

CAVAILIA PRESS KIT

The post Guinea West African Dance & Drum Class by Aly Cisse appeared first on desertdancetheatre.org.

February 8, 2013 (Friday 7:00pm)

Back to Basics Family Reunion: Black History Month Celebration

Chandler Center for the Arts (Bogle Theater), 250 N. Arizona Avenue, AZ 85225

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Desert Dance Theatre and South Chandler Self-Help Foundation presents Back to Basics Family Reunion.

Singing, dancing and poetic talents will be on display at the Back to Basics Family Reunion. Part of the program will feature Desert Dance Theatre performing an excerpt from Sister Moses: The Story of Harriet Tubman, and other dance selections accompanied by Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church Choir with inspirational narration by Lavon Woods. Holy Temple Church of God in Christ Choir will also sing inspirational selections in the program.

Chandler hosts entertaining, inspiring Black History Month events. The City of Chandler is collaborating with Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Chandler Men of Action, and South Chandler Self-Help to assemble an incomparable assortment of unique and inspiring events for Black History Month in February.

The South Chandler Self-Help Foundation and Desert Dance Theatre in Cooperation with the City of Chandler will be presenting the 23rd Annual Black History Celebration.  Some of the greatest gospel singers, dancers, and poets in the valley will be participating in this great event.

The Self-Help Foundation has sponsored this family oriented event, for 23 years which is open to the public, the event encourages historical education, respect and ensures on going opportunity for the youth of chandler and surrounding areas to display their talents.  Each participant will bring a unique expression to create a life changing experience.

**From the Minds of African Americans: African American Inventions exhibit will be at this event.

This is a FREE event. Call South Chandler Self-Help for more information – foundation 480-963-5213 or cell 480-227-9706.

News Release: http://www.chandleraz.gov/newsrelease.aspx?N_UID=2427

Black History Month in Chandler: http://www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=138

Event Sponsorship Opportunity Available! Contact Niki Tapia, Community Resource Coordinator/Chandler Diversity Office: niki.tapia@chandleraz.gov or 480-782-2214

Sponsorship Levels & Benefits

For more info contact Lisa@DesertDanceTheatre.org or call 480-962-4584 or go to www.DesertDanceTheatre.org.

Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 12:00pm

Family Block Party/Entertainment
Folley Park, 601 E. Frye Road, Chandler
Presented by South Chandler Self-Help

The Back to Basics Family Block Party picnic showcases “Voluntary Simplicity.”   Everyone is welcome to a family reunion type of event that is devoted to people sharing food, drink and conversation with the hope of both renewing friendships and making new ones.  Music and open Mic.

This is a FREE event. Call South Chandler Self-Help for more information – foundation 480-963-5213 or cell 480-227-9706.

The post Back to Basics Family Reunion: Black History Month Celebration appeared first on desertdancetheatre.org.

December 3 & 5, 2012 (6:00pm-7:00pm)

Desert Dance Theatre – Dance Auditions

Dance Theater West, 3925 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix

The audition classes are FREE.

 Rehearsals may begin immediately.

 Requirements:

·       Dancers must have flexible schedule and available to rehearse and perform.

·       Dancers must be versatile and have performance experience in modern dance.

·       Experience in ballet, jazz and other dance and performing arts disciplines is a plus.

·       Dancers must be responsible with reliable transportation.

Regularly scheduled classes and rehearsals are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00pm-9:00pm,

Saturdays from 2:00pm-4:30pm.

Rehearsal schedule may vary or change as needed.

For more information, contact us at:

480-962-4584 or Lisa@DesertDanceTheatre.org

The post Desert Dance Theatre – Dance Auditions appeared first on desertdancetheatre.org.

Desert Dance Theatre presents “THE GATHERING” at the Tempe Center for the Arts Studio on Friday-Saturday, January 11-12, 2013 at 7:30pm.  “THE GATHERING” will feature Desert Dance Theatre’s new work in progress inspired partly by John Henry Waddell’s sculpture called “The Gathering.” This event will welcome the New Year by bringing several dance groups together to share their work. On the program are guest dance companies: Canyon Movement Company, Dulce Dance Company, Ethington Dance Ensemble/Grand Canyon University Dance, MarioCo.Dance, Movement Source Dance Company, Paradise Valley Community College Dance, Step’s Junk Funk, and Terpsicore Dance Company.

Friday-Saturday, January 11-12, 2013

7:30pm

Tempe Center for the Arts – Studio

700 West Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, Arizona 85281

$15 Adult, $12 Senior, $10 Student, $9 Group of 10+

$8 Friends of Desert Dance Theatre (DDT),

Arizona Dance Coalition (ADC), Arizona Presenters Alliance (APA)

TICKETS? TCA Box Office: 480-350-2822 or www.tempe.gov/tca

(Service and convenience fees may apply)

QUESTIONS? For concert information contact Desert Dance Theatre, 480-962-4584.

P.O. Box 25332 • Tempe, AZ • 85285-5332 • Ph 480-962-4584 • Fx 480-962-1887

The post The Gathering appeared first on desertdancetheatre.org.

The post Phoenix Festival of the Arts appeared first on desertdancetheatre.org.