International dance company holds free performances at WMU

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s Department of Dance announces its first residency with an international professional dance company, including two free public performances. Starting Sunday through Saturday, Sept. 11-17, the Compañía Nacional de Danza Contemporánea, from the Dominican Republic, will be on campus as guest artists for the Department of Dance.  The dance company is directed by internationally renowned choreographer Marianela Boán. In addition, free performances for the community will be 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 15-16 in the Dalton Center, Studio B, and a “meet and greet” the artists at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, in the Dalton Center Green Room.

Boán is recognized as one of the most important artists of contemporary Cuban dance and a leader of the Hispanic American dance vanguard. She and four of her company’s dancers will interact and engage with WMU students through master classes, demonstrations, lectures, and performances for WMU students and the greater Kalamazoo community.  Classes taught include contemporary dance, Cuban/Dominican Folkloric, hip hop, improvisation and choreography. Funding for this project comes through the College of Fine Arts Differential Tuition, the department’s Student Investment Project and the University’s Visiting Scholars and Artists Program.

For more information, contact WMU's Department of Dance at (269) 387-5830.

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