Tidewater Community College and TRDance celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month under the national theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” TCome and enjoy an evening of professional dance as we learn about “La History Humana” (The Human Story).
This year’s keynote event includes four dance presentations as follows:
"The Horse of Many Colors" -
is based on a Latino folk tale. It narrates the story of a magical creature who rewards, with magical assistance, the kindness of a boy named Juanito in winning the hand of the daughter of the mayor in a Hispanic town. Choreographed by Artistic Director Todd Rosenlieb and commissioned by Ballets De San Juan, Puerto Rico’s premiere professional dance company, this witty tale is full of humor and folkloric strokes expressed in a dance narrative full of athleticism, creativity and imagination.
"Migajas de un Vals" -
is a contemporary piece choreographed by Omar Nieves Delgado, former principal of Coda 21, Puerto Rico’s acclaimed contemporary dance company and Ballets de San Juan. Scored by the sound of Spanish songwriter Silvia Pérez Cruz y Påjaro, this work is filled with thoughts of love, lust and urban tones present in today’s Latinx generation of artists.
"YMA" -
is set to the virtuoso sound of Latina icon Yma Sumac. This modern dance work, choreographed by Rosenlieb, is a homage to Latino rhythms and shapes in a celebration of Hispanic culture full of exuberance and joy.
"Campestre" -
is choreographed by Ricardo Melendez, the former artistic director of the Ballet de San Juan. The dance is set to the romantic sound of Susana Baca, a well-known Peruvian singer and songwriter. This excerpt is the central piece to a larger work that explores the joys and pains of Latino peasant folks through a dance language combining classical and folkloric influences. This romantic duet is full of longing images and shapes, wrapped in sensual undertones and performed with breathtaking ability.
After the performances, a panel discussion will feature TR Dance’s Melendez speaking on how dance can be used to grow acceptance and cultural inclusivity.
Other panel members include moderator Lynette Hauser, Ph.D., TCC biology professor and a member of the Global and Intercultural Learning Committee; Olga Torres Baker, primary consultant, Taina Consulting and Commissioner of the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission; and TCC Spanish professor Jessica Lynam, Ph.D.
This keynote event is presented by Norfolk’s Todd Rosenlieb Dance (TR Dance) as well as TCC’s Student Life and Global and Intercultural Learning Committee. Additionally, the event is free and open to the public.
Event Venue
TCC Roper Performing Arts Center, 340 Granby St,Norfolk,VA,United States