It’s always exciting to have visiting dance troupes, and this one has Jamaican connections. You might like to enjoy next weekend…
New York-based dance company ready to rock the stage
Kingston, Jamaica August 31, 2017— The New York-based Vissi Dance Theater will perform in Jamaica on September 30 and October 1, 2017. For the first time, the Mertz Gilmore and Puffin Foundation award winning dance company will be on the rock to showcase a captivating combination of jazz, modern dance, West African, funk and ballet.
Founded in 1997 by Jamaican dancer/choreographer Courtney Ffrench, the Vissi Dance Theater is comprised of dancers from around the world who bring with them their cultural diversity and unique perspectives on movement and the performing arts. Vissi combines drama and dance in scintillating ways, while exploring social issues.
The dance company’s style has been described as urban contemporary. Having performed across the United States, Italy and Japan over the last decade, Ffrench is excited to have his beloved company perform for the first time in his home town Kingston.
“The roots of the company are in fact Jamaican. While there was much fear during a volatile period in Kingston in the late 70’s, I found myself distracted by my cousin’s dance group Tivoli Gardens Comprehensive Dance Troupe. I watched her perform at what was my first dance concert. She has passed on, but from then the seed was planted. It has come back as Vissi, a tree, with many branches.”
Two performances will be held at The Edna Manley School of Visual and Performing Arts in the Vera Moody Concert Hall.
Ffrench added that part proceeds will go towards the performing arts programme at his alma mater Ardenne High School. “Our goal is also to create an ongoing relationship with schools and ultimately aspiring dancers and performers,” he added. “We would also like to engage local cultural arts organizations with cross collaborations via festivals both in Jamaica and the United States.”
Tickets are priced at J$2500/US$20. Ticket blocks in groups of 20, 30, 40 & 50 will be available starting August 28. Individuals and organizations are invited to join this celebration the collective cultural human experience and an insightful work of art. The production will be held at the Vera Moody Concert Hall, Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts at 7:30pm on September 30 and October 1.
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Ticket outlet: The Hub Coworking, 34 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5.
For more information: email: proclamationinfo@gmail.com;tel: 876-322-8767/573-8467; http://www.vissidance.com; @proclamationgrp
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