UNM’s Faculty Dance Concert ‘Querencia’ Takes Center Stage

The concept of querencia, as beautifully articulated by Rudolfo Anaya in his forward to Querencia: Reflections on the New Mexico Homeland, embodies the love for both place and community. “In this concert, we present dance works that are tied to the concept and experience of querencia in different ways.” Say Artistic Directors Marisol Encinias and Amanda Hamp. “Some of the pieces are reflections of finding a refuge, some speak of a quest away from home, and others grew from connection to place, history, and each other.”

UNM Theatre and Dance is particularly honored to present Genesis One by renowned choreographer Gregory Maqoma. Maqoma, who visited Albuquerque earlier this year, taught workshops and created this new piece that reflects the resilience of the human spirit. Beautiful and poignant, Genesis One stands as a testament to the strength of unity and freedom amidst intense adversity. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this piece live in the theater.

Additionally, Flamenco choreographer Iván Vargas presents Envés, a mesmerizing journey through the picturesque hills of Sacromonte in Granada. Iván Vargas is a critically acclaimed contemporary flamenco artist, and has presented works around the world, included during previous Festival Flamencos in Albuquerque. A force of nature and creativity, Vargas intertwines the haunting echoes of Arabic melodies with the vibrant rhythms of Granada’s flamenco tradition. Envés seamlessly blends the traditional with the contemporary, offering a heartfelt homage to Vargas’s cultural heritage while embracing the future with hope and reverence.

A flamenco piece by Carmen Coy & Jesús Perona and contemporary dance works by Melissa Briggs and Amanda Hamp round out the evening with their own perspectives on home, belonging, and love with passion and poignancy.

The performances are scheduled for February 23rd, 24th, and 29th, and March 1st and 2nd at 7:30 pm, with an additional matinee on February 25th at 2:00 pm. All performances will take place at the Rodey Theatre, located within the Center for Fine Arts. Tickets are available online at unmtickets.com and at the UNM box office.

For more information, please visit dance.unm.edu