JOYCE RUDOLPH
A variety of dance and music styles influenced by cultures around the
world will mesh when the "Arab-esque" dance concert whirls its way
onto the Alex Theatre stage.
The theme combines contemporary world dance and progressive world
music from Europe, says artistic director and show producer Juliette
Arroyo.
"It's not folkloric, you are mixing different styles," she said.
"In my pieces, I'm am mixing Arabic dance with jazz and dancers are
wearing Chinese costumes."
All of Arroyo's dance pieces have an Arabic music base with a jazz
influence, but all the music for her dances is from Europe and not
from the Middle East.
"Because each are different styles," she said.
Arroyo picked each of the more than 50 professional Southern
California dancers/ choreographers who are performing to ensure they
stayed within the theme.
An independent choreographer, Arroyo conceived the idea for the
eclectic dance concert because of the explosion of interest in world
music over the last three years.
The show features progressive world music from Europe that has
been composed in the last three years. Other pieces are original
compositions created specifically for these choreographers, and some
written just for this show.
"It is music that is also created in United States with a European
styling," she said.
Another choreographer in the show, Licia Perea, mixes modern dance
with flamenco and Middle Eastern music. Choreographer Charletta Fry
chooses to combine African with modern dance styles set to world
music. While it's not pure African music, it has African chanting,
Arroyo said. Different still is work by choreographer Anthony
Johnson, who combines ballet with magic.
The dance concert is unique, Arroyo said, because other shows
usually have one company dancing a line up of different pieces, but
this has more of a purpose: to promote world music and world dance in
Los Angeles. These are separate choreographers coming together and
sharing the stage with other choreographers whose styles are
different.
"A program like this allows dancers as artists to grow and explore
new styles and new ways, so we're not just rooted in our own
traditional styles," she said. "And for the public, it leaves a
lasting impression."
Arroyo, who lives in Highland Park, is a former Glendale resident
and works for the city of Glendale Historical Preservation
Department.
The concert is at 8 tonight. Tickets range from $15 to $50. For
reservations, call 243-2539. The Alex Theatre is at 216 N. Brand
Blvd., Glendale.
