New York, New York: BALAM Dance Theatre (BALAM) brings its captivating, joyful cross-cultural new program, Celebración de la Cultura Hispana con Baile y Canción / Celebrating Hispanic Culture with Dance and Song, to the Hempstead Public Library, on Saturday, October 7 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The library is located at 115 James A Garner Way in Hempstead, New York 11550. The program is free and open to the public. For information, contact the library at (516) 481-6990.
BALAM Dance Theatre, a nonprofit professional dance company based in New York City, will debut the new program in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The program features El Barreño, a charming folkloric dance from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, added this year to BALAM’s repertoire. The program stars entertainer, emcee and comedian extraordinaire — Inma Heredia — singing, dancing, and introducing the performance’s diverse works. The cast of dancers performing includes Robin Gilbert, Yumiko Niimi, Barbara Romero, and Carlos Fittante.
The program, subject to change, will also present these pieces: Francisco Alegre, a sung Pasodoble; Peruvian Dances of the 18th Century — Huicho (Bird Dance), Chimo (Handkerchief Dance) and Lanchas (Harvest Duet);Quizas, a popular song by Cuban songwriter Osvaldo Farrés; El Vito, performed with cape, castanets, and song; Panaderos de la Flamenca with castanets; Sevillanas Boleras, a duet with castanents; Celebra la Vida song; and Fantasia de Amor, a Salsa dance.
“Celebración de la Cultura Hispana con Baile y Canción (Celebrating Hispanic Culture with Dance and Song) honors the vibrant, distinctive beauty of Hispanic dance and music. This year, BALAM Dance Theatre is delighted to add to its repertoire a charming Central American folkloric dance, El Barreño. Set as a duet for two women, this dance features gorgeous displays of skirt work,” said Carlos Fittante, artistic director and president of BALAM Dance Theatre.
About BALAM Dance Theatre
Founded in 1979 by choreographer and movement researcher, Islene Pinder, BALAM Dance Theatre offers a new vision of contemporary dance rooted in the dazzling opulence and magical aura of Balinese theatre.
The New York City-based dance/theatre company creates a unique entertainment experience that has universal appeal. Audiences of all ages and backgrounds enjoy BALAM’s innovative movement alchemy where dynamic athleticism, detailed skills, and movement techniques from around world and time periods are fused and enhanced by eclectic music, striking masks, vibrant costumes and fantasy stories.
The company educates the community about dances and cultures featured in its repertoire. Through its Out & About Series, free and affordable performances, workshops and creative events at the grassroots level are made available for families, children, students and community residents.
BALAM Dance Theatre has been featured at numerous festivals and venues, including First Night New York, Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and Downtown Dance Festival. The company has also performed throughout the United States and internationally. BALAM has received praise from the New York Times and Village Voice, the Governor and people of Bali and the Indonesian Consulate of New York, as well as others.
For further information, call 646-361-9183, send an e-mail to balamdancetheatre@gmail.com or visit BALAM Dance Theatre on its blog, www.balamdancetheatre.
