The IU Department of Theatre, Drama and Contemporary Dance will present "Cultural Immersion: Winter Dance Concert" at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the Ruth N. Halls Theatre.
The performance will explore many traditional and modern dance styles, highlighting the beauty, resilience and historical relevance of numerous cultures.
The dance concert is directed by Beatrice Capote, an associate professor of contemporary dance, and will feature a tapestry of cultural expressions by blending different styles of dance. Capote has previously worked with the dance company INSPIRIT and professional choreographer Kyle Abraham. She is a current member of the Bessie Award-winning NYC-based dance company Camille A. Brown & Dancers.
Capote said the production is a semester-long immersion, produced by guest artists, faculty and students, in Korean, Flamenco, African Diaspora, tap and Indigenous dance styles. Her approach seeks to reconnect with the authenticity and traditions of these regional dances, while also emphasizing their historical and cultural value. She added she wants this concert to be an immersive experience for the audience.
“In creating this concert, I wanted it to be a rich tapestry of cultures, weaving together elements of Korean folk dance, Flamenco, Afro-diaspora aesthetics and the lived experiences of our choreographers,” Capote said. “Everything is culture, and we hope to educate the audience on the various cultures in which we live through movement.”
Guest artists include IU emerita Iris Rosa, IU graduate student DaEun Jung and resident artist Meira Goldberg, who contributed their knowledge of African Diaspora, Korean and Flamenco dances, respectively, to the program.
Tickets for “Cultural Immersion: Winter Dance Concert” are available to purchase now on the Theatre & Dance website.
