Dance, dance, dance!

This year, February is a month to explore and enjoy dance for arts lovers in the Washington. Friday, February 1 Ron K. Brown brings his Brooklyn-based dance company Evidence back to George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium for a program that includes On Earth Together, comprised of Stevie Wonder songs. February 5 – February 10, now under the direction of Robert Battle, America’s cultural ambassador to the world, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Kennedy Center for its annual engagement featuring a combination of captivating new work and enduring classics. And not to be missed is the area debut of a new collaboration between choreographer Bill T. Jones and SITI Company’s Anne Bogart. In A Rite, these two artists have deconstructed the original score of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring to create a provocative meditation on the power of singular new works of art to alter the way we think.

Cinco de Mayo on the Mall

The Maru Montero Dance Company will host its 20th Annual National Cinco de Mayo Festival on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Sylvan Stage on the National Mall to celebrate Latin American dance, music and crafts. Although a Mexican celebration in origin, the Cinco de Mayo Festival has become a larger “Latin American Family Reunion” according to organizers. The anticipated festival provides an opportunity to explore the rich history, culture and ethnic diversity that is the foundation of Latin Americans in the United States. The Festival is Free and open to all, the event will be held rain or shine and everyone is encouraged to attend. Activities begin at noon and run until 6:00pm.

Simply the Best | Simply Savion

No one on this planet does it like he does and soon he’ll be back in DC doing it again. Saturday, March 31 at 8:00pm at the Warner Theater Savion Glover will be doing a special, one-night only performance. Glover is a world-renowned hoofer –star of Broadway’s Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk and the film Happy Feet. He will present an evening inspired by song and interpreted through his innovative rhythms of footwork.

 

Warm it Up!

While winter and its cold temperatures have set in throughout Washington, two stage performances are coming to the area to warm things up. For one weekend only, January 26 -29 the touring company of the Broadway musical Fela! which examines the life of legendary musician and  cultural figure Fela Anikulapo Kutiwill play the Warner Theater. The following weekend, February 3 and 4 the dynamic company of Step Afrika! will play three shows at Sidney Harman Hall. Step Afrika!, the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Both shows are full of fire!

The Pirate!

The Washington Ballet presents Le Corsaire  (The Pirate) for a limited engagement run at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the Eisenhower Theater April 6 – 10. This company premiere is a tale of two lovers, pirates and excitement. Leap into your seats!

Harlem to U Street

For the first time since 2004, the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble will perform in Washington, DC. This special one-night only engagement will be March 25 at the historic Lincoln Theater on U Street. Founded by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook in 1969, Dance Theatre of Harlem represents a rich legacy of American dance and is now under the artistic direction of Virginia Johnson, a former Dance Theatre of Harlem principal.

Voyage to India

It is difficult to encapsulate the beauty and diversity of India in words, one must experience it and March 1-20, 2011, maximum India brings you that prospect. This dynamic festival at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts offers a wonderful opportunity to see films, performances, readings, crafts and feasts of Indian food. Learn more and try maximum India.

Night at the Museum

Next Friday night, spend your night at the Museum. The Smithsonian Museum of African Art is hosting their inaugural Africa Underground experience on Friday, February 18 from 7:00pm – 11:00pm. When the museum closes their doors to the general public, things will kick off for Underground guests to enjoy an evening of performances, dancing, light refreshments and drinks as well as the stunning exhibitions. Tickets are going quickly and can be purchased online. Buy today.

Tap Time

Wednesday February 16 the Tony Award winning dance genius Savion Glover will return to the Strathmore for his newest show SoLo iN TiME. Accompanied by his talent crew of musicians and dancers the show is described as a ‘blending the sensuous, sinuous style of flamenco with the explosive, percussive force of his own innovative style of tap.’ Tickets for the performance are on sale now.

Celebrate Kwanzaa

The Dance Institute of Washington invites you to celebrate Kwanzaa with them at one of three performances December 29 and December 30 at the GALA Hispanic Theater, 3333 14th Street, NW. The annual Kwanzaa concert features performances by the Dance Institute of Washington’s professional ensemble and students along with special guests including drummer G.H. Abasi Johnson and the African Continuum Theater Company. Tickets for are available here.