Afro-Peruvian History Premiers for the First Time Ever. A celebration in Coral Gables By Betty Alvarez

Afro ConTempo Dance Theater (ACDT) presents Alma en Boca, The Afro-Peruvian Story, an elaborated tale of re-invention, social structure and cultural expression that voices itself through the rhythms of the Cajon, live singers and a cast of 20 energetic performers. The performance will take place on October 1, 2011 at The Colony Theatre (1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139); showtimes are at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Over the decades the African culture in Peru went through a series of critical phases, ranging from the establishment of traditions to ending in near extinction. Today Afro-Peruvian dance is the pride of Peruvian folklore. The historic journey to establish this title is a journey that is still very unclear and mysterious to the Peruvian society.

Alma en Boca moves its way through Afro-Peruvian history, interpreting the birth and transformation of the traditional culture through the already existing Afro-Peruvian folklore and combining it with a new, organic form of Contemporary Dance. This show will not only be the first to demonstrate Peru’s fascinating history, but also the first to express it using this new fusion-style of dance.

Keeping its traditional touch, the show’s creator and ACDT’s founder and director, Marcela Diaz, finds a way to stay true to Peruvian folklore while allowing it to be edged and reformed into modern day dance.

“This project has been in the works for only one year now. But has taken five long years to research,” says Marcela Diaz, Artistic Director and Choreographer of the show. She continues by saying, “I support the notion that a culture can be expressed through any well researched artistic approach, even if the culture heavily relies on tradition. What better way to share information about a culture than to bring alive its history?!”

*SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY GRAMMY NOMINATED, PERUVIAN SINGER, EVA AYLLON*

A reception was held on Sept. 15 at Aromas Del Peru in Coral Gables as a kick off to this wonderful show. The dance theatre even performed a small piece in order for guests to have a small preview of what to expect.

Admission: $40 VIP (Section 1 ), $32 VIP ( Section 2), $26 general admission, $20 students w ID/ seniors + 62. Tickets are now on sale at the Colony Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information about ALMA EN BOCA or ACDT please contact Marcela Diaz at 786.444.6726 or email MDiaz@AfroConTempoDanceTheater.com. Please visit our website at www.afrocontempodancetheater.com.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

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