MDC’s Cultura del Lobo Presents Acclaimed South African Dance/Theater Ensemble Nov. 20-21
Miami, November 5, 2009 - The 2009-10 Cultura del Lobo Performance Series at Miami Dade College (MDC) presents Beautiful Me, a spellbinding performance by internationally-renown South African choreographer and dancer Gregory Maqoma/Vuyani Dance Theatre on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and 21, at 8 pm at the Byron Carlyle Theater in Miami Beach.
In Beautiful Me, Gregory Maqoma attempts to define, redefine and profess his own identity in relationship to history, humanity and nature. Accompanied on stage by four exceptional South African musicians (violin, cello, sitar, and percussion), Beautiful Me speaks honestly and directly about the process of finding one’s authentic voice. Inspired by three master choreographers – Akram Khan, Faustin Linyekula and Vincent Mantsoe – Maqoma layers their distinct and diverse styles with his own unique lightness and humor. Beautiful Me becomes a living self portrait and a provocative exploration of kinetic African identity.
Maqoma began his formal training in 1990 with Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM), a Johannesburg-based dance school and company. He later became a member of the company and in 1994 created his first work for them. In 1997 he was awarded a scholarship to attend Dance Web, 5-week choreographic program in Vienna and in 1999 he received a scholarship to study at P.A.R.T.S (Performing Arts Research and Training Studios) in Brussels under the direction of Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. While in Brussels, Maqoma formed Vuyani Dance Theatre Project.
The 2009-10 Cultura del Lobo Performance Series continues MDC's tradition of bringing the newest, most challenging, contemporary work to the community that explores both the uniqueness of different cultures and how they interact with one another. The Series is an MDC initiative through its Cultural Affairs Department. Cultura del Lobo (Culture of the Wolf) was originally conceived as a play on the name of the college's downtown Wolfson Campus and the adventurous spirit of its programs. Past performers include Branford Marsalis, Inbal Pinto Dance Company, Marc Bamuthi, McCoy Tyner, Paquito D'Rivera, and many other acclaimed artists. In addition, the artists have taught master classes.
MDC’s Cultura del Lobo Performance Series presents Beautiful Me
- WHEN: Friday, Nov. 20, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday, Nov. 21, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- WHERE: Byron Carlyle Theater, 500 71 St., Miami Beach
General admission tickets are $22. Students and seniors pay $18. MDC and New World School of the Arts students and staff pay $5. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 305-237-3010 or visit www.mdc.edu/culture.
Media-only contacts:
Juan Mendieta, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu, MDC communications director
Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu, media specialist
Tarnell Carroll, 305-237-3359, tcarroll@mdc.edu, Media Specialist
Alejandro Rios, 305-237-7482, arios1@mdc.edu