The passion of Tango and the drama of modern dance combine in a powerful performance by Tangokinesis at the Rose Lehrman Arts Center on the Wildwood Campus of HACC. The fusion of the two dance genres begins Wednesday, March 19 at 7:30 PM. A post-show talkback with dancers will follow the performance. Media sponsor for this event is Central PA Magazine.
The trademark of Tangokinesis is the fusion of two unique choreographic languages: Modern Dance and Tango. The Buenos Aires-based company merges these forms in one other unique way. The male and female dancer's training is from two different currents. Women in this group have classical dance training, while the male dancers' backgrounds are strictly tango.
The founder of the group is dancer, choreographer and former Director of the Buenos Aires San Martín Theater's Contemporary Ballet, Ana María Stekelman. Ms. Stekelman studied with Martha Graham in the early 1960's. She has been invited to create new work at the American Dance Festivals in 1976, 1978 and 1990. Recent commissions have come from the Rome Opera Ballet and Ballet Argentino. She choreographed dances for the Oscar-nominated film Tango, for which she was presented the American Choreography Award by the Academy of Dance on Film in Los Angeles.
Ms.Stekelman's research (over a ten-year period) on Tango and its fusion with contemporary dance resulted in the creation of her own company in 1991. Stekelman was invited with her company to the Nantes Festival in 1992, and in the following year she premiered 'Tangokinesis' the piece which would become the company's name.
Tangokinesis has traveled and performed at the world's most important dance festivals and theaters: the Kennedy Center, the "Celebrate Buenos Aires Festival" in New York City, The American Dance Festival, the Colorado Dance Festival, Avignon Festival, Lyon Biennale de la Danse (France), the Israel Festival (Jerusalem), Kuopio Festival (Finland), the Madrid Autumn Festival, and numerous engagements at theatres throughout Central and South America.
The program at the Rose Lehrman Arts Center will include "Suite de Tango," "Valses," and "4 Piazzollas." Dancers from the company will lead a master class in Argentine Tango on Tuesday, March 18 from 7:30 to 9pm at the Arthur Murray Dance Studios at 15 North Fifth Street in Lemoyne. The class is co-presented by the Performing Artist Series at the Rose Lehrman Arts Center and the Arthur Murray Dance Studios. This is a private class for students with dance experience. Space is limited and the cost is $25 per person. Contact Lynn Reigle at 737-5104 to register in advance.
Tangokinesis will appear at the RLAC theatre, HACC on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $25 adult/$20 student/senior citizen. A post-show talkback will follow the performance. Visit RLAC Performing Artist Series online at www.hacc.edu.