November 15, 2024 -- Santa Monica's College's (SMC) Global Motion Dance Company will live up to its name when it performs dances from around the world this month.
The performances -- which take place November 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the SMC Performing Arts Center -- showcase traditional and contemporary World Dance styles, event organizers said.
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The styles include West African, Flamenco, Ballet, Asian, Hawaiian, Mexican Folklórico and Salsa, highlighting the "excitement and diverse beauty of cultures."
Included is a work by renowned Balinese/Javanese guest choreographer Nanik Wenten, one of Java’s most distinguished dancers and choreographers, who teaches in the World Music Performance program at the CalArts School of Music.
Global Motion was founded more than four decades ago by Judith Douglas, former chair of the SMC Dance Department, "to bring knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the diverse beauty of dance throughout the world," school officials said.
The dance company also gives SMC students "the essential experience of working with choreographers and performing as a professional company, on a professional stage."
Global Motion is under the artistic direction of SMC dance professors Raquel Ramirez, founder and director of a Mexican folklórico performance group, and Sri Susilowati, a dancer, choreographer and storyteller originally from Indonesia.
The SMC Dance Department uses The Broad Stage — including the stage and lighting crew and support staff — for performances. Costumes are handmade each season by professional costumer Patricia Oliva.
The ensemble has toured extensively and performed at schools, festivals and special events throughout California and Mexico.
They also have performed in Beijing, China three times; Bracciano, Italy; Santiago, Chile; Lloret de Mar, Spain, and Paris, France.
Advance tickets can be purchased online at smc.edu/tickets at any time for $20, plus a modest service charge, or by calling 310-434-3005 Monday through Friday during limited hours.
Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the performance for $23 (a modest service charge applies) at The Broad Stage Box Office at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard).
There is free parking on premises. Seating is strictly on a first-arrival basis.
More information is available at smc.edu/dance or by calling the SMC Dance Department at 310-434-3467.