JCAL Executive Director Phillip Willis (centre) is pictured with JCAL Board Member Dawn Skeete Walker (left) and Cuban singer Xiomara Laugart during the 2010-2011 season.
|
NEW YORK - In an homage to the "Queen of Soul" music Aretha Franklin, a
celebrated troupe will celebrate the diva's music through modern dance.
The
Vissi Dance Theater will present their novel interpretations of the
music legend's classics at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) in
Jamaica, Queens on Saturday, September 17, 2011.
The creative
choreography will be featured at the second annual "Making Moves Dance
Festival" which will introduce audiences to a diverse group of
performers, including the NEVILLE Dance Theatre, Yoo & Dancers, and
the Balance Dance Theatre at JPAC's state-of-the-art multi-million
dollar facility.
During the festival, Vissi Dance Theater will
present "Queen", an original work commissioned by JPAC and a tribute to
the music of the legendary singer and musician Aretha Franklin.
The
dancers, under the direction and choreography of Courtney French -
JPAC's newly appointed general manager - will perform to original studio
recordings as well as to live recorded performances of the music icon.
To warm up the audiences, "Making Moves", supported by the Mertz
Gilmore Foundation, will treat members of the Queens community to a free
outdoor matinee dubbed "Rain" from 4 to 5 p.m followed by the official
festival which gets underway at 7 p.m. in the theater.
The
Jamaica Performing Arts Center's 2011-2012 season, which begins next
month at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, is supported in part by Astoria Federal
Savings, with in-kind support from Arizona Beverages.
Tickets
for the festival are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and children
under 12 years old. Prices will be $3 more at the door.
