With an explosion of sound, this incredible ensemble paints a colorful and electrifying collage of the many amazing cultures of West Africa. For more than 35 years, Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa has celebrated the rich musical, dance and folklore traditions of a diverse region that includes Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Benin, The Ivory Coast, and Mauritania. Today, the company enjoys international notoriety for its skillful interpretations of traditional African melodies. With just a touch of Western influences, their sound is both thoroughly modern, and yet still completely authentic and uniquely West African.

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Experience the passion and spectacle of flamenco when Spain’s preeminent company of dancers, musicians and singers returns to the Center for the Arts, delighting audiences with its explosion of rhythm, color, and emotion. Born in Seville, José Porcel began dancing flamenco in the Andalusian Cultural Houses of Valencia. Formerly lead dancer in the company of Antonio Márquez, Porcel founded Ballet Flamenco in collaboration with numerous prestigious choreographers. “Evocative and exciting, blending traditional flamenco with some decidedly more contemporary music, moves, and looks.” (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

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Exuberant, athletic, and eclectic, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been an innovative force in the dance world for more than 30 years. Under the artistic leadership of Jim Vincent, this bold and arresting company displays a powerful and diverse repertoire from choreographers around the globe, creating thrilling, inspiring, and engaging experiences for its audiences. Described by The New York Times as “one of the most buoyant, sleek and exciting of young American dance troupes,” the ensemble is renowned for its humor and extreme versatility, with dancers trained in a variety of styles from jazz to modern to ballet. “Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is one of the spiciest—not to mention liveliest—companies around.”

“One of Philadelphia’s cultural treasures,” the Philadelphia Dance Company, or Philadanco, has danced its way into the hearts of America with extraordinary technique, highly skilled dancers, and an exciting repertory of classical and contemporary choreography. “Performers whose blazing physicality and commitment light up the stage,” says the Village Voice. For more than 30 years, the company has traveled the globe, performing before sold-out audiences of all ages, races, and cultural traditions. The company has been praised for its innovative, energetic, and exuberant performances by audiences and dance critics. “Sheer pleasure in dancing radiates from this modern dance troupe.” (The New York Times)

Nebbia 

“An imaginative merging of physical feats and playful poetics,” Variety said about this highly artistic company. Their performances are a blend of thrilling acrobatic theater, enchanting circus arts, and visually stunning theatrics that never fails to enthrall and mesmerize. Audiences of all ages enthusiastically pack the house whenever this Quebec-based company comes to our stage. Cirque Éloize returns this time with Nebbia: a magical fog, the third part of its sky trilogy, which was written and directed by the renowned Daniele Finzi Pasca. In this fog, anything is possible, and reality becomes dream. This captivating new production, which recently enjoyed a resoundingly successful premiere in Geneva, combines daring circus feats, acrobatics, theatrics, and poetry, with dramatic lighting, and an original score of haunting music.

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“The enthusiasm of Parsons Dance is as infectious as itsenergy is amazing.” (New York Post) Since 1985, this dazzling New YorkCity company has delighted audiences worldwide, performing contemporaryAmerican dance with extraordinary artistry and uplifting spirit. Described by The New York Times as “snazzy, sly, and sexy,” Parsons Dance is committed tomaking dance entertaining and accessible for a diverse range of people, fromnewcomers to seasoned dance enthusiasts. “David Parsons’s choreography goesdown like ice cream…his dances are entertaining, good-humored, and handsome.” (Village Voice)

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Years of rigorous training is evident in every perfectly paced spin, leap, and click performed by this spirited ensemble, making them a lethal powerhouse of speed and sound that has electrified audiences around the world. Founded by Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mark Howard, Trinity is the most widely recognized Irish dance program in the world, performing in distinguished venues across the globe, and making appearances on national television programs and in feature films. “Simply intoxicating.” (San Francisco Examiner)

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Cinderella

If you appreciate the great tradition of grand ballet, then you will love the Russian National Ballet Theatre’s production of Cinderella. The sumptuous costumes, the jubilant music by Prokofiev, the lush scenery, and the hilarious double-roles of the stepsisters make the presentation of this masterpiece an occasion not to be missed. Sergei Radchenko formed the company in 1989, bringing together leading dancers from across Russia, to stage new productions of the classics as well as new works, preserving the timeless traditions of Russian Ballet. “A cut above many of its rivals.” (The Washington Post)

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Sleeping Beauty

In the great tradition of grand ballet, Russian National Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty, the magical tale of the beautiful princess who waits in slumber to be awakened by the kiss of her prince. Petipa’s brilliant choreography, considered by many to be the crowning jewel of his career, is enriched by the resplendent sets and costumes of this stunning production. Combine all this with Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score—which he himself said was perhaps the best piece of music he had ever written—and the masterful movements of these leading Russian dancers, and the result is an evening of awe-inspiring artistry.

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“Beware: the energy and spirit of this dance company are contagious.” (Holland Dance Festival) Complexions explores powerful social, political, and emotional issues through its use of cutting-edge choreography, which is grounded in classical dance, original music, and creative multi-media effects. The company was founded in 1994 by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson to express their appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism, and instantly received accolades for its brilliance and artistry. The New York Times described Rhoden as “a master of invention” and Richardson as “one of the great modern dancers of his time…a bravura performer with extraordinary skills.” This innovative ensemble’s intensity, passion, and amazing technical ability leave audiences spellbound.

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Centuries ago, performers in China combined dramatic folk arts and variety shows with the cultural roots of their civilization, and using common objects as stage props, created an acrobatic art unique to their culture. The National Acrobats of China continues this ancient tradition, and is every bit as thrilling and entertaining as it was 3,000 years ago. Executing daring feats with tables, chairs, flags, and plates, the performers demonstrate their amazing flexibility, agility, and extensive training, as audiences gasp, laugh, and often hold their breath! Considered one of the most influential acrobatic troupes in the world, it distinguishes itself with extensive touring and achievements in international competitions. Truly a wonderful event for the entire family.

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