From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Caribbean News
Jamaica Dance Festival to Celebrate Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin
By Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL)
Sep 6, 2011 - 7:23:25 PM

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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.



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