Category: Dance

CoisCéim Dance Theatre
UNCLE RAY by David Bolger

World Premiere Live Stream

Critically acclaimed CoisCéim Dance Theatre return live to the stage with the premiere of companion work UNCLE RAY, the dance highlight of Dublin Theatre Festival & Belfast International Arts Festival this year.

CoisCéim’s Artistic Director David Bolger turns his focus to fathers and uncles, teaming up on stage with street dancer, Donking Rongavilla, in a new work of irresistible charm.  This is a poignant story about the elasticity of truths and how family lore shapes us.

UNCLE RAY takes audiences back to 1970s Dublin where as a young boy, David grew up with stories about his magnificent Uncle Ray—whose career took him from vaudeville, to Broadway and then the glitz of Hollywood, eventually playing one of the most famous characters of all time: the Scarecrow. The wonders of reality, imagination and family lore collide in this touching new dance duet by David Bolger.

Who is Uncle Ray? 

“Memories, like old photographs, come flooding back in black and white… So, when Uncle Ray came to visit once a year, I had no idea he had turned into glorious Technicolor. Standing at the edge of the yellow brick road. Crows would come from miles around just to eat from his field. Maybe not the best scarecrow. But an incredible dancer and my uncle—Uncle Ray Bolger.”

Known for his iconic dance style and huge range inflected with tap, ballet, Irish and African-American dance traditions, Ray Bolger was dazzling – variously dubbed “the jazz Nijinsky” and a“rubber-legged acrobat”.  In UNCLE RAY, Donking Rongavilla slips into his shoes, with a mix of contemporary, street and breakdancing. Originally from the Philippines, Donking also grew up with family ties to the movie business, his father Rommel Valdez was a prolific actor in Filipino films

Omari Wiles/Les Ballet Afrik: Quarantingz

Join us for this special event comprised of both live and recorded performance by members of Les Ballet Afrik from their remote locations, narrated by Omari Wiles. Quarantingz by Les Ballet Afrik, directed by Omari Wiles, edited by Jason Lai, will take you on a movement journey conceptualized during our time in quarantine.

Les Ballet Afrik Bio

Les Ballet Afrik is a multi-cultural dance company that explores the masculine and feminine energies within different dance forms. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the progressive LGBTQ community and the traditions of the Diaspora. We hope to bring awareness to the Black and Latino experience within the ballroom scene, and put a focus on the importance of
community, and connection to ancestry. Rooted in Traditional African, House, Vogue, and Latin movement, and under the direction of legendary Omari “Oricci” Wiles, Les Ballet Afrik has pioneered a new movement style called “Afrikfusion”, a unique blend of dance and movement unlike anything that’s ever been done before.

Omari Wiles Bio

Ousmane Wiles was born in West Africa Senegal. He began his training in West African dance at the age of six years old. Wiles then joined his mother—Marie Basse Wiles—and became the assist director to her company: The Maimouna Ketia School of African Dance. Working with master African dancers, Ousmane devolved the skills needed to teach the art of traditional African. Venturing further into the world of dance, Wiles found himself learning, training and falling in love with other styles such as Hip-Hop, House, Modern, and Vogue. Wiles has been given the chance to work with many artist such as: Beyonce, Jidenna, Rashaad Newsome, Zuma Zuma, Wunmi, Estelle, Gala, Kenya Moore, Cuba Gooding Jr.,and more. Ousmane is now evolving his own style of dance blending African, Vogue and House as one. He is the founder of LES BALLET AFRIK.

SuperPOWERED Pricing

SuperPOWERED pricing is listed for all our virtual events. It’s the the average price you would’ve paid to see the event live. Thank you for being our superhero!

ArtPower at UC San Diego is a Partner of the National Performance Network (NPN). This project is made possible in part by support from the NPN Artist Engagement Fund. Major contributors include the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency). For more information visit www.npnweb.org.

Omari Wiles/Les Ballet Afrik: Music, Mixing, & Genre Blending

Les Ballet Afrik Music Curator, DJ Align, will lead this workshop demonstrating the process of blending different genres of music to find the perfect balance of styles represented in the company (i.e. how he blends vogue beats with traditional African music). Get an inside look at how Les Ballet Afrik’s unique sound is created. Following the workshop there will be a virtual dance session with company members and a live DJ set by DJ Align for the audience to get moving as well!

Les Ballet Afrik Bio

Les Ballet Afrik is a multi-cultural dance company that explores the masculine and feminine energies within different dance forms. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the progressive LGBTQ community and the traditions of the Diaspora. We hope to bring awareness to the Black and Latino experience within the ballroom scene, and put a focus on the importance of community, and connection to ancestry. Rooted in Traditional African, House, Vogue, and Latin movement, and under the direction of legendary Omari “Oricci” Wiles, Les Ballet Afrik has pioneered a new movement style called “Afrikfusion”, a unique blend of dance and movement unlike anything that’s ever been done before.

Omari Wiles Bio

Ousmane Wiles was born in West Africa Senegal. He began his training in West African dance at the age of six years old. Wiles then joined his mother—Marie Basse Wiles—and became the assist director to her company: The Maimouna Ketia School of African Dance. Working with master African dancers, Ousmane devolved the skills needed to teach the art of traditional African. Venturing further into the world of dance, Wiles found himself learning, training and falling in love with other styles such as Hip-Hop, House, Modern, and Vogue. Wiles has been given the chance to work with many artist such as: Beyonce, Jidenna, Rashaad Newsome, Zuma Zuma, Wunmi, Estelle, Gala, Kenya Moore, Cuba Gooding Jr.,and more. Ousmane is now evolving his own style of dance blending African, Vogue and House as one. He is the founder of LES BALLET AFRIK.

SuperPOWERED Pricing

SuperPOWERED pricing is listed for all our virtual events. It’s the the average price you would’ve paid to see the event live. Thank you for being our superhero!

ArtPower at UC San Diego is a Partner of the National Performance Network (NPN). This project is made possible in part by support from the NPN Artist Engagement Fund. Major contributors include the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency). For more information visit www.npnweb.org.

Omari Wiles/Les Ballet Afrik: Introducing Les Ballet Afrik

Learn about Les Ballet Afrik, through its performances, vision, and company members. Following an introduction to the company there will be a panel discussion on trans visibility and diversity in dance with members of Les Ballet Afrik and closing with a live Q&A with the audience.

Les Ballet Afrik Bio

Les Ballet Afrik is a multi-cultural dance company that explores the masculine and feminine energies within different dance forms. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the progressive LGBTQ community and the traditions of the Diaspora. We hope to bring awareness to the Black and Latino experience within the ballroom scene, and put a focus on the importance of
community, and connection to ancestry. Rooted in Traditional African, House, Vogue, and Latin movement, and under the direction of legendary Omari “Oricci” Wiles, Les Ballet Afrik has pioneered a new movement style called “Afrikfusion”, a unique blend of dance and movement unlike anything that’s ever been done before.

Omari Wiles Bio

Ousmane Wiles was born in West Africa Senegal. He began his training in West African dance at the age of six years old. Wiles then joined his mother—Marie Basse Wiles—and became the assist director to her company: The Maimouna Ketia School of African Dance. Working with master African dancers, Ousmane devolved the skills needed to teach the art of traditional African. Venturing further into the world of dance, Wiles found himself learning, training and falling in love with other styles such as Hip-Hop, House, Modern, and Vogue. Wiles has been given the chance to work with many artist such as: Beyonce, Jidenna, Rashaad Newsome, Zuma Zuma, Wunmi, Estelle, Gala, Kenya Moore, Cuba Gooding Jr.,and more. Ousmane is now evolving his own style of dance blending African, Vogue and House as one. He is the founder of LES BALLET AFRIK.

SuperPOWERED Pricing

SuperPOWERED pricing is listed for all our virtual events. It’s the the average price you would’ve paid to see the event live. Thank you for being our superhero!

ArtPower at UC San Diego is a Partner of the National Performance Network (NPN). This project is made possible in part by support from the NPN Artist Engagement Fund. Major contributors include the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency). For more information visit www.npnweb.org.

Omari Wiles/Les Ballet Afrik: Jazz Master Class

Join us for a master class taught by Les Ballet Afrik Assistant Artistic Director Kameron Saunders which will explore intermediate jazz dance technique and related dance styles.

Les Ballet Afrik Bio

Les Ballet Afrik is a multi-cultural dance company that explores the masculine and feminine energies within different dance forms. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the progressive LGBTQ community and the traditions of the Diaspora. We hope to bring awareness to the Black and Latino experience within the ballroom scene, and put a focus on the importance of
community, and connection to ancestry. Rooted in Traditional African, House, Vogue, and Latin movement, and under the direction of legendary Omari “Oricci” Wiles, Les Ballet Afrik has pioneered a new movement style called “Afrikfusion”, a unique blend of dance and movement unlike anything that’s ever been done before.

Omari Wiles Bio

Ousmane Wiles was born in West Africa Senegal. He began his training in West African dance at the age of six years old. Wiles then joined his mother—Marie Basse Wiles—and became the assist director to her company: The Maimouna Ketia School of African Dance. Working with master African dancers, Ousmane devolved the skills needed to teach the art of traditional African. Venturing further into the world of dance, Wiles found himself learning, training and falling in love with other styles such as Hip-Hop, House, Modern, and Vogue. Wiles has been given the chance to work with many artist such as: Beyonce, Jidenna, Rashaad Newsome, Zuma Zuma, Wunmi, Estelle, Gala, Kenya Moore, Cuba Gooding Jr.,and more. Ousmane is now evolving his own style of dance blending African, Vogue and House as one. He is the founder of LES BALLET AFRIK.

ArtPower at UC San Diego is a Partner of the National Performance Network (NPN). This project is made possible in part by support from the NPN Artist Engagement Fund. Major contributors include the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency). For more information visit www.npnweb.org.

Omari Wiles/Les Ballet Afrik: Afrik Fusion Master Class

Join us for a master class taught by Les Ballet Afrik founder and director Omari Wiles which will explore West African and Vogue dance techniques.

Les Ballet Afrik Bio

Les Ballet Afrik is a multi-cultural dance company that explores the masculine and feminine energies within different dance forms. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the progressive LGBTQ community and the traditions of the Diaspora. We hope to bring awareness to the Black and Latino experience within the ballroom scene, and put a focus on the importance of
community, and connection to ancestry. Rooted in Traditional African, House, Vogue, and Latin movement, and under the direction of legendary Omari “Oricci” Wiles, Les Ballet Afrik has pioneered a new movement style called “Afrikfusion”, a unique blend of dance and movement unlike anything that’s ever been done before.

Omari Wiles Bio

Ousmane Wiles was born in West Africa Senegal. He began his training in West African dance at the age of six years old. Wiles then joined his mother—Marie Basse Wiles—and became the assist director to her company: The Maimouna Ketia School of African Dance. Working with master African dancers, Ousmane devolved the skills needed to teach the art of traditional African. Venturing further into the world of dance, Wiles found himself learning, training and falling in love with other styles such as Hip-Hop, House, Modern, and Vogue. Wiles has been given the chance to work with many artist such as: Beyonce, Jidenna, Rashaad Newsome, Zuma Zuma, Wunmi, Estelle, Gala, Kenya Moore, Cuba Gooding Jr.,and more. Ousmane is now evolving his own style of dance blending African, Vogue and House as one. He is the founder of LES BALLET AFRIK.

ArtPower at UC San Diego is a Partner of the National Performance Network (NPN). This project is made possible in part by support from the NPN Artist Engagement Fund. Major contributors include the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency). For more information visit www.npnweb.org.

Premiere: c.a.t.a.m.o.n Dance Group

Dancer Rand Zeid Taha and choreographer Elad Schechter of c.a.t.a.m.o.n. Dance Group collaborate on a performance across borders. Performed live on stage in Jerusalem where both were born, Premiere “looks for a moment when everything will freeze and it will finally become possible to breathe.” The pair seek out how dance can become an international language which can bridge cultural differences and be used as a tangible tool for social change, particularly between their two religions.

After the performance stay for a conversation with the dancer and choreographer live from Jerusalem.

Elad Schechter is a Jerusalem native dancer and choreographer and a graduate of the High School for the Arts in Jerusalem. He served in the IDF Theatre Department and danced in many professional companies before founding the c.a.t.a.m.o.n Dance Group in Jerusalem in 2021. He also founded the annual ‘From Jaffa to Agripas’ Festival in Jerusalem’s famous Machne Yehuda Market.

Rand Zeid Taha is a Palestinian Dancer from Jerusalem. She graduated from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. A member of the Academy’s Ensemble and its excellence performance program, Taha won 3rd place her senior year in the annual ‘Gertrude Strauss Choreography Competition’. She was also awarded the Henny Jurriens Summer Intensive Scholarship in Amsterdam. Taha is performing with c.a.t.a.m.o.n Dance Group and took part in the CINARS Biennale 2018, in Montreal.

This program is presented in partnership with the Jewish Studies Program at San Diego State University, and sponsored by the Murray Galinson San Diego-Israel Initiative and UC Berkeley.

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS HERE

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

“Elastic and electric, luxuriantly rippling, poetically arranged with moments of perfect stillness that arrive amid splashes of expression.”—Dance Magazine

The “magnetic dancers” of A.I.M (New York Times) demonstrate a diverse range of choreography, all created by Artistic Director Kyle Abraham. Repertory includes: The Quiet Dance, a quintet set to Bill Evans’s sentimental rendition of the Bernstein classic Some Other Time; Show Pony, an energetic new piece performed by Princess Grace Award winners Tamisha Guy and Marcella Lewis; Meditation: A Silent Prayer, a group work featuring voice-over recording by Carrie Mae Weems, MFA ‘84 and visual artwork by Titus Kaphar; Drive, a high energy, propulsive work set to thumping club beats; and a duet excerpt from Dearest Home, Kyle Abraham’s 2017 evening-length work that explores the concepts of love, longing, and loss.

For additional seat options, visit TicketMaster > 
UC San Diego students—please email artpower@ucsd.edu for your promo code to use on the TicketMaster website.

 

ArtPower at UC San Diego is a Partner of the National Performance Network (NPN). This project is made possible in part by support from the NPN Artist Engagement Fund. Major contributors include the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency). For more information visit www.npnweb.org.

Aakash Odedra Company
Rising

“Rising reveals an exceptionally agile dancer who, it appears, has no trouble slipping between styles, effortlessly multilingual.”—New York Times

One of the most exciting young contemporary dancers and choreographers in the UK, the “simply breathtaking” (Globe and Mail) Aakash Odedra takes the stage in the captivating solo Rising with choreography from acclaimed international artists Akram Khan, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Russell Maliphant, and Odedra himself.

In Rising, Odedra draws on his background in the classical Indian dance disciplines of Kathak and Bharatanatyam while remaining intrinsically contemporary in style and concept. Exploring different processes and aesthetics in the pieces created for Rising, Odedra highlights different aspects of himself to create a new personal language: lyrical and graceful, brutal and raw, edgy, and animalistic.

This performance is presented in partnership with the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center.

Rosie Kay Dance Company
5 SOLDIERS: The Body is the Front Line

“Lust, shock and awe… 5 SOLDIERS is a disturbing, illuminating and necessary glimpse into a world we mostly prefer to ignore.”—The Guardian

In 2008, British choreographer Rosie Kay joined The 4th Battalion The Rifles, to watch and participate in full battle exercises, and visited the National Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre. The culmination from her experiences is the award-winning, five-star work 5 SOLDIERS.

Inspired by input from serving and former soldiers, 5 SOLDIERS is a thrilling and humane portrait of army life and tells the stories of five men and women serving on the front line. Deeply realistic, stark and thrilling, 5 SOLDIERS offers no moral stance on war, but instead questions what it is that we ask of our soldiers. With Kay’s trademark intense physical and athletic dance theater, 5 SOLDIERS explores how the human body remains essential to war, even in the 21st century.

Making its San Diego debut, 5 SOLDIERS has earned five-star reviews, a nomination for Best Modern Choreography in the National Dance Awards, and topped the UK’s Best Dance charts in The Observer, The Guardian, and The Independent.

5 SOLDIERS is funded by Arts Council England and presented 30 in association with The British Army.

Warning: This show contains triggering and/or sensitive material. Sounds of explosions, weapons, military vehicles, graphic depiction of injury, and scenes of violence and of a sexual nature, are portrayed during certain instances within the performance. Click here for more detailed information (spoilers included) >

Age guidance: 12+ (parental guidance advised, contains some scenes of violence)