The Luckman Fine Arts Complex & Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company Present: Tercera Raiz May 2, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Erica Bawek
Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company
12717 S. Budlong Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90044
Phone: (310) 991-6152 (Direct)
Phone: (323) 756-0338 (Office)
www.grandezamexicana.com
www.luckmanarts.org

Los Angeles, CA – April 6, 2009 – Back by popular demand, The Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Cal State L.A. will present Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company (GMFBC), Tercera Raiz, to be held at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex at 8:00 p.m. on May 2nd, 2009. The evening features a historic perspective of the influence of African cultures in present day Mexican folk.

Tercera Raiz dance-works begin with the exploration of the direct African contribution of music and dance fused with traces of Spanish and indigenous influence as presented in the pieces of Tabasco and Veracruz. Wherever their number allowed, slaves created networks that permitted them to cope with their experience, giving expression to their humanity and providing a manner of maintaining a sense of self. These networks flourished in areas such as Veracruz, where the intersect of the Spanish, Indigenous and African cultures forged new and dynamic relationships that would become the basis of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

Grandeza Mexicana continues to break new ground and pushing the envelope of Mexican folk dance through its new peace “Olmeca” The earliest civilization of Mesoamerica, the Olmec people and period is often referred to as Mesoamerica’s “Mother Culture.” The simplicity of Olmec culture was well defined, having only two distinct groups: the elite and the commoners. Other than the dramatic achievement of the massive stone heads and the prolific anthropomorphic jaguar artifacts, little is empirically known about the Olmec people. Much about their origins and disappearance remains a mystery. This sense of mystical beginning has inspired Grandeza’s most provocative work yet, “Olmeca.” This deconstructed work takes inspiration from images of ancient artifacts and the Olmec belief that humankind was created from the sacred jaguar. The sacred jaguar is ubiquitous and emblematic of the Olmec people and yet it has confounded historians for decades. So much of the Olmec civilization remains an enigma. In Grandeza’s “Olmeca,” the sacred jaguar represents an intermediary who gives life to humankind. This innovative piece pushes the envelope of stylized folk dance, as it draws from other dance disciplines such as Modern and the tests the boundaries of poetic license and historical fact. The edgy piece is the work of guest choreographer Javier Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez is a critically acclaimed dancer/choreography with an extensive background in Ballet and Modern. His dynamic works such as “Faces of Frida,” have garnered him international praise and accolades.

In the 1940s, during the height of the Mexican Golden Age of Cinema, dynamic music and dances such as the Conga and Rumba, rhythms ripe with African influence were introduced to the Mexican masses where they took hold with great fervor. In Pasion Rumbera, the story of the Mexican Rumberas is told through the eyes of a young girl as she climbs the ranks of the seedy urban dance clubs to become a bonified “Rumbera.” Rounding out the concert will be some of Jose Vences’ most beloved dance works including Sinaloa and Jalisco. The accomplished Grupo Cuicatlan ensemble, directed by Gerardo Palma and Sergio Alonso, and Dafra Drum, will provide live music.

Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company, a professional quality folk dance company founded by Jose Vences in 2003, has as its primary goal to present performances that inspire and educate audiences on the beauty and diversity of Mexico’s colorful dance traditions. Choreographies are developed through research on Mexican folk dance and culture, input from collaborating choreographers and historians, and by studying and appreciating the work of other artists. Though stylized, the work is drawn from authentic and indigenous dances created by communities across Mexico.

The Harriet and Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex is located on the campus of California State University, Los Angeles. With two state-of-the-art theatres and a critically acclaimed art gallery, the Complex enjoys a reputation for presenting world-class music, dance, theatre, and visual arts programming in a beautiful, accessible setting. Constructed in 1994. The complex is located at 5151 State University Drive, near the convergence of the 10 and 710 freeways. For more information about the Luckman and a full schedule of events and exhibitions, visit www.luckmanarts.org.

Official Website: http://luckmanart.org