2009 Festival Artists
2PlySwing:
A brief history of swing dancing and a chance to learn a few steps. A fun, high energy performance not to miss!
2toGroove:
Jim Cruzen and Margie Adams are two of San Diego’s most sought after swing dance teams. Since 1999 they have shared their “SWING” passion as dancers, quality instructors and performers locally, nationally and internationally.
Absolutely DanceSport Dance Studio presents Ballroom and Latin Wheelchair Dancing:
Absolutely DanceSport Dance Studio invites all wheelchair users (manual/motorized) to watch us perform the cha cha, rumba, salsa, and waltz. Our goal is to reach 1 million wheelchair users via our online Ballroom and Latin Wheelchair dance series.
Alpha Omega Dance Company/NA Groove:
Amara Burkesmith, Patricia Law, Karen Rader-Clarke:
Independent choreographers Amara Burkesmith, Patricia Law, Karen Rader-Clarke and their dancers present new choreographic works. Two pieces will honor the passing of a good friend and colleague, Katheryn Wilson-Watson.
Angelika Nemeth Dance Ensemble:
The award-winning Angelika Nemeth Dance Ensemble will present exciting regional and classical dances from Egypt and Iran. Their passion, humor and expertise will charm and captivate you.
Apsara, A Fairy Dancer:
The program title is “Worshiping Light”. An ordinary girl cannot sleep after darkness came. She is seeking for light on streets in disco clubs and bars dancing with veils. In the bar she saw lighting candles and started to worship light, becoming an ancient Goddess. Then she transformed to a Shaman, continuing to worship light with ethnic music. After light started Apsara dancing with a sword and black wings. She won and light appeared in full. Apsara celebrated light with lit candelabra and white wings.
The AVID DVD Society:
Random thoughts of love and violence: A mixed media fable that follows the evolution of discovery, passion, and domination that transforms into tale of the horrific events that occurred on 9/11.
Axxiom Dance Collective:
Axxiom Dance Collective will be performing the 2009 Axxiom Suite which will be a mixture of modern, African, and hip hop dance. Come see the versatility of Axxiom and experience meaningful dance.
Balletiquette Dance Theatre Company, Inc.:
Celebrating contemporary, lyrical themes through ballet movement. The company is a unique mix of young children, aggressively trained to perform at an early age to approach motion without fear. These dancers express their joy for dance in an amazing performance, full of passion and physical movement that’s bigger than them.
Ballet Folklorico Fiesta de Colores-SDSU:
Ballet Folklorico Fiesta de Colores of San Diego State University proudly presents dances from state of Sinaloa, Mexico. Our dances will be: Vuela Paloma, Satanas, El Costeno, El Toro Mambo, El Sinaloence.
Ballet Folklorico Jaliscience:
Ballet Folklorico Jaliscience wants to share their love for culture through Folkloric Mexican dance. Every region brings its own unique and memorable style.
Benita Bike’s DanceArt:
In its 28th season, Benita Bike’s DanceArt is a fixture on the contemporary dance scene in greater Los Angeles. The company regularly receives praise for its elegant concert work and innovative dance education programs.
bkSOUL/Collective Purpose:
Bridging the worlds of underground hip hop and dance/theatre, the collaborations of bkSOUL and Collective Purpose use images, words, and music of the movement, both social and artistic, to give their viewers a window into the lived experience of oppression, rejection, rebellion, and transformation.
Blue Lotus Dance Company:
Regional + Fusions dances from the North Africa and the Near and Middle East.
Brittany White:
‘My Journey’ shows my personal journey to find personal growth and the bigger picture in life. Jazz/Contemporary Piece.
CAC Repertory Dance Theatre:
CAC Repertory Dance Theatre will feature highlights from their 9th season.
California Ballet School – Junior Company:
California Ballet Junior Company members and apprentices will perform in a variety of styles; classical ballet, jazz, modern dance and flamenco will be featured.
Chula Vista Ballet:
Chula Vista Ballet has adapted H.C. Anderson’s famous fairy tale, Thumbelina to classical ballet. This magical production is created for audiences of all ages, especially for younger children.
Club NDA of Neisha’s Dance Academy:
Club NDA is Chula Vista’s Premier Hip Hop Company. This energetic dance team (ages 6-17) are a fantastic fusion of hip hop, jazz, lyrical, modern, and musical theater.
Colette Harding Contemporary Dance Company:
Colette Harding Contemporary Dance Company: CHCDC presents dance works that range from sultry and smooth to quick and energetic. Dance works exhibited offer observations in human relations, personal insight, and storybook inspirations.
Coronado School of the Arts:
Dancers from COSA’s exemplary Dance Division will perform 4 uplifting and energetic works by student and professional choreographers.
Culture Shock Dance Troupe:
Culture Shock San Diego is a 17-year stalwart in the dance community. Created in 1993 by Angie Bunch, the Culture Shock family has outposts in Los Angeles; Oakland; Las Vegas; Chicago; Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; and in Ottawa and Toronto, Canada. At the Celebrate Dance Festival, CSSD will feature excerpts from its latest original full-length production, Graffiti Life. The theatrical dance tells the story about the gritty and little-known subculture of graffiti.
DK DANCE:
DK DANCE moves into an exploration of how two very different people can compliment one another when they are able to get outside of the layers and take a refreshing approach to what it means to simply express human emotion through art. Please join artists Deven P. Brawley and Keely Campbell for the debut of DK DANCE which will include “indissolubly departed”, a dance film by Melissa Martine.
Domino Affect Dance Company:
Beginning in November 2007, Domino Affect Dance Company has been developing works to expand the experience of modern contemporary movement from the theater to the community with imagination and vigor.
d’shire dance collective:
San Diego’s all-male dance company presents selections from it’s past season. Including the critically acclaimed interpretation of Martin Sherman’s BENT, 1256 Dear Johns and Counting, and Truthout! A work set to the Beatles, exploring with keen insight and flawless comic sensibility, the interwoven notion of marriage and the arguments against having equal rights as homosexuals.
Erica Buechner and Dancers:
Erica Buechner and Dancers will be presenting all new works, showing her choreographic development as an up and coming artist in San Diego. Prepare yourself for distinct physicality and raw honesty.
Erin Jelacic:
“What is girl?” a work by Erin Jelacic, delves into the tumultuous experience of becoming an adult. It is during that unruly transition from childhood to adulthood that we realize the most important aspect of this journey is the ability to forgive ourselves for growing up.
Eveoke Dance Theatre:
The mission of Eveoke is to cultivate compassionate social action through evocative performance, arts education, and community building. Specializing in modern and hip-hop, Eveoke is home to a professional Concert Company, a pre-professional Apprentice Company, Performing Group (ages 14-35), and Youth Performing Group (ages 8-14).
Flamenco Arana:
Flamenco Arana joins powerful dancers, vibrant singers and the percussive notes of the guitar to bring the sights and sounds of Spain a heart beat away. Flamenco Amana links the historic past to an ever-changing, artistically dynamic future. We share our love and passion for this inspiring art form, and invite all to hear the call.
Forward to Breath:
This locally-based group of dancers has been working together for a number of years, and they truly enjoy the process. Come watch as they present works focusing on the elements of wind and water, infusing movement with projected images of nature.
Glitter Dance Company:
Celebrated for thousands of years, Egyptian Dance has brought joy to women, men and children across the globe. From classical, folkloric and contemporary dances, Egyptian dance offers a rich variety of dances that appeal to the masses. Come see a variety of dances that will transport you to a distant, exotic, land—The Land of the Pharaohs.
Grupo de Danza Minerva Tapia/Minerva Tapia Dance Group:
The Dances of Juan Soldado, a work inspired by the story of the Mexican Saint Juan Soldado, is Minerva Tapia’s newest choreography. Juan Soldado is the Saint of the Migrants. This Saint was originally known as Juan Castillo Morales who in 1938 was accused of the rape and murder of a young girl and then executed by firing squad. The choreography portrays glimpses of the existence of Juan Soldado and how Tapia envisions this Saint’s current presence in Tijuana.
Hammond Studio of Dance:
Hammond Studio of Dance Elite Team was created in 2006. Our philosophy is developing dancers with a solid technical foundation and an experienced performance quality. Come and see our competitive team perform a versatile array of pieces from Jazz to Hip Hop to Ballet.
Hart Pulse Dance Company:
Hart Pulse Dance Company presents their depiction of the life lead by 18th century Highland Clans of Scotland before, during and after the Historical Battle of Culloden. After such many Scotts made their way, many by force, for America to meet the uncertainty of their new lives.
Heather Zornes-Almanza/Lara Segura:
Desperate Times, a solo choreographed by Lara Segura, explores the variety of emotions one experiences during times of distress. Heather Zornes-Almanza is to present Vessel, which signifies how we are shaped by our experiences and are destined to become whatever is invested into us.
Iza Moon Dance Collective:
Iza Moon Dance Collective is a tribal fusion belly dance group that takes funky modern music & combines it with amazing, original choreography. The result: a performance you won’t be able to take your eyes off!
Kim Gregg/PARADE:
Kim Gregg/PARADE [practice as research and dance experiments] takes an investigative approach to content, process, and structure. See why critics are calling it “captivating”, “chilling intensity”, “bold and beautiful”.
Kriya Collective:
A modern dance performance that speaks to many movement modalities from ballet to West African to yoga. A balance of fluidity and staccato invokes the changing tides of life with which we rise and fall, laugh and cry, create and destroy [exploring human emotion and the depth of the modern struggle between individualism and collectivism.]
L.2.D Entertainment Co.:
A story of a girl who finds herself lost in a creepy, fantasy world. With creatures dancing a funky, contemporary, hip hop fusion.
La Diego Dance Theater:
LaDiego Dance Theater’s mission is to inspire the community to participate in the power, passion and beauty of dance. Through performance and education we aim to encourage innovation and experimentation, fusing classic and contemporary styles to rediscover the common vocabulary of dance. We invite you to help bridge the gap between the symphony hall and the streets, to articulate the relevance of dance beyond the realm of music television.
Malashock Dance School:
The Malashock Dance School presents three distinct and unique contemporary pieces performed by our beginner/intermediate level students. Set to evocative music, we will manipulate time, space, and energy in a way that captivates and moves you.
Malice Dreaming:
Spiritualism (attempting to communicate with the dead) had widespread appeal in the upper and middle classes of late Victorian society during the Mid-1800’s. The use of mediums, séances and talking or spirit boards soon developed into a social pastime for many, as commonplace as afternoon tea while away the time. This choreography follows the story of an (unexpectedly) extremely successful bout of afternoon spiritualism.
Marcelina Contreras from ASWE Dance:
A beautiful film of two dancers, one struggling to be perfect the other to just be herself on top, below, and all over the dinner table. Come see this emotionally charged and moving San Diego premiere of this incredible mini-novella followed by a solo’s acceptance of herself amidst a never ending sea of blankets, literally.
Mira Costa Community College w/ Dave Massey & Sadie Weinberg:
Choreographers Sadie Weinberg and Dave Massey present 20 minutes of work featuring professional and student dancers from Mira Costa College in a collection of works that are a dynamic and heartfelt mix of contemporary modern and jazz dance.
Mojalet Dance Collective:
Mojalet Dance Collective offers an athletic and engaging performance that is not only visually interesting, but also will move your spirit. “A touching evening, spontaneous in effect, entertaining and versatile, accentuated by dance of great quality” The Region-Olten Switzerland Nov 18th, 2006-Madeleine Schupfer
Moksha: Liberation Through Dance:
“Moksha” is a collaborative group that celebrates the power and grace of the feminine being in dance. We seek to liberate the soul through traditional and non-traditional interpretations of the ancient Indian classical dance forms Odissi and Bharatanatyam.
Movement Source Dance Company:
Movement Source will present works based on our season, “Capture the Moment” guest choreography by (NYC) Mitzi Adams, (VA) Ray Shaw, (Madison, WI) Li Chiao Ping, and Movement Source choreography – a piece based on water – Susan Pine Harris, a dance integrating bike parts (& video) about the freedom of cycling. Athletic, innovative contemporary dance works by Movement Source Dance Company – one of Arizona’s first modern dance companies! www.movementsourcedancecompany.org
Opus Mixtus Post Jazz:
OMPJ will be sharing various repertory works ranging from contemporary movement to jazz hoping to provide each audience member with a unique experience. Artistic director Heather M. Dale’s style ranges from the deeply lyric to upbeat modern with the hopes of showing that by bringing different genres of dance together, everyone can benefit and learn something about themselves.
The PGK Project:
“Powerful, Athletic, Beautifully Sculpted, Stellar, Amazing.” San Diego’s critically acclaimed, award winning dance company in three entertaining works.
The Platt Brothers:
“The Platt Brothers” is an outrageous blend of acrobatics, dance, comedy and music brought to life by three talented and exceptional brothers. Their performance style has accrued critical acclaim for its extraordinary unique presentation as an eclectic explosion of family friendly entertainment.
Sabor Andaluz:
Sabor Andaluz offers you, as its Spanish name suggests, a taste of Andalusia, Spain. Our dancers dress in beautiful and colorful costumes performing very rhythmic songs full of energy and passion.
San Diego Civic Dance Company:
San Diego Civic Dance Company presents excerpts from their critically acclaimed Collage dance concert held annually in February in the Casa del Prado Theatre.
The San Diego Civic Youth Ballet Performing Group:
Our performance will consist of a selection of ballet works, both contemporary and classical. These pieces will be performed by some of the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s advanced students.
San Diego Cloggers:
Clogging is an exciting, energetic form of traditional American percussive dance, with the modern addition of contemporary music and jazz tap influences. A family oriented activity, clogging is fun to watch and participate in.
San Diego Danceworks:
San Diego Dancework's mission is to develop confident, creative, and expressive dancers by encouraging each student's unique and special abilities. Within welcoming and supportive classes, we strive to enrich our students' lives through dance education, performance opportunities, and a lifelong appreciation of dance.
San Diego School of Ballet:
San Diego School of Ballet’s Summer Workshop showcases the students in classical and contemporary pieces they have learned during their 2 week intensive. Choreography by Claire Torres, Robin Morgan and Javier Velasco of San Diego Ballet.
Scripps Performing Arts Academy:
The Scripps Performing Arts Academy will be performing La Passion, La Danse, La Vie from their 2009 Premiere Performance Ballet Our Way and works from the 2009 Pre-Professional Summer Intensive Program. These works, performed by dancers 12-17 years old, will challenge, entertain and inspire!
The Shangri-La Dance Company:
The Shangri-La Dance Company was founded in 2001 with the aim of bringing wholesome activities to the communities through the introduction and presentation of different styles and forms of social and staged dances.
somebodies dance theater:
somebodies dance theater endeavors to explore the boundaries between dance idioms and the cutting edge of multi-media collaborations. sdt will showcase three movements from the larger work, Girl in a Dress, which addresses social preconceptions of femininity and gender, as well as a dance film that comments on American socio-political consciousness.
Stella Nova Dance Company:
Stella Nova is a modern company for youth which focuses on the incredible artistry, professionalism, and talent that teens acquire and possess with solid training paired with a nurturing environment. Stella Nova provides a voice for youth to display their love of dance and to show the world what teens are capable of.
Tango Caminito Dance School:
Tango Caminito Dance School (Fallbrook)
was established in 2004 as a not for profit School of Dance, and actively participates in many well known San Diego events. It is an organization of volunteers, and has more than 20 regular dancers. The Dance Company brings a lot of fun and enjoyment to the audience performing Tango and Variety shows.
transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project:
The transcenDANCE Performance Group will bring you a lively medley from our summer project, HEAT. Combining hip-hop, African, and modern dance styles and material from the Urban Bush Women Summer Institute…this dynamic teen dance group will transcend your expectations.
Uma Suresh & the Natya Priya Dance Company:
Adorned with jingling anklet bells, and with bare feet beating complex rhythmic patterns, the Classical Southern Indian dancers become moving sculptures from the temples of India, as they weave magical stories from epics and myths. Accompanied by colorful costumes and ornaments, stylized hand gestures and facial expressions, these dancers bring life a ritualistic 4000 year old temple dance tradition known as Bharatha Natyam from Southern India.
Unity Dance Ensemble:
Come and experience the jam packed, seamless and versatile program that Unity Dance Ensemble delivers. Founded by Tessandra Chavez, this group is known for their expertise in entrancing their audience with their innovative and contemporary blend of Jazz, Modern and Hip Hop dance.
Urban Tribal Dance Company:
Urban Tribal Dance Company blends the traditional with the contemporary creating innovative and exciting stage performances. www.urbantribaldance.com
Vox Dance Theatre:
Using only their gowns and Philip Glass’ thundering polyrhythmic score, seven brides face down one of society’s most loaded rituals. Employing potent imagery and a spirited rhythmic attach, Fimmine exhibits the devotion, sisterhood, and fierce passion these women summon on their way to the altar. Swenson’s signature work.
