Highways and Heartbeats is all about connection. The UNM Faculty Dance Concert is an annual production that showcases the talented dancers in the University of New Mexico Department of Theatre and Dance. Faculty members and invited guest artists create works on the two performance ensembles: the Contemporary and Flamenco. And this year, one choreographer has bridged the two ensembles to create a piece that is fun, energetic, and reflective.
Ana “Rokafella” Garcia is a New York born and raised Hip-Hop dancer, teacher, and choreographer. She co-founded Full Circle Productions Inc, the city’s only nonprofit Hip-hop Dance Theater company, with her husband Kwikstep, generating theater pieces, dance events and dance training programs, including the New York City public school system and various New York City-based community centers. She directed the documentary All The Ladies which highlights the Bgirl lifestyle and is hired internationally to judge Break dance competitions and to offer workshops.
During her guest artist residency in the Dance Program at UNM, Rokafella created a work that has the Flamenco and Contemporary Ensembles dancing together for the first time. Back to the Classics pays respect to the technique and trends of styles that preceded and influenced Hip Hop including Poppin, Lockin, Up Rockin, and Breakin, as well as New Jack Swing. Contemporary dancer Xiomara Ward said of the experience working with Rokafella: “Having a chance not only to work with Rokafella but the flamenco ensemble on the hip hop piece was such a new and inspirational experience. I’m so grateful for this.”
But Rokafella is not the only one bringing something new to the Faculty Dance Concert. Choreographer Sarah Caño from Spain created Camina, a contemporary dance piece on the Flamenco Ensemble who are joined by some members from Yjastros, Albuquerque’s Flamenco Repertory Company. Rather than focusing on flamenco technique, the movement in Camina draws from contemporary dance and Iberian folk forms to reflect the idea that growth comes not from arrival, but from the ongoing act of moving forward.
Rounding out the evening is Spheres by UNM Faculty Vladimir Conde Reche which explores community and trust through collective action and remembrance, and guest artists in Flamenco Ana Morales and La Popi present new works Taranterías and Bajo el Cristal.
Artistic Directors Marisol Encinias and Amanda Hamp reflect on Highways and Heartbeats as an important space of artistic maturity and growth for the UNM Dance students. “They’re an enthusiastic group, each dedicated to growing as a dancer and a person. They’re collaborative and supportive of each other, rising together to the occasion of working with professional choreographers and preparing a high-caliber performance for audiences.” Says Hamp.
Event Details:
Highways and Heartbeats will be performed at Rodey Theatre on February 27, February 28 and March 5, 6, and 7, at 7:30pm, and March 1 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available at unmtickets.com or the UNM Box Office.
Jessamyn Lovell is a gender-fluid artist and licensed private investigator based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They hold a BFA from Rochester Institute of Technology, an MFA from California College of the Arts, and are currently a Principal Lecturer at the University of New Mexico.
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