‘Pushing artistic boundaries’
UNM flamenco ensemble to make dance festival debut
In the dance world, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival is where you want to be. For a flamenco ensemble with the University of New Mexico’s Department of Theatre and Dance, the opportunity to dance in the Massachusetts-based festival is coming true.
On Aug. 17, the group will travel to the festival to perform “Las Horas Contadas,” by Marco Flores.
This is also the first time that UNM students will be showcasing work at the festival.
“Through the vision and determination of Professor Emeritus Eva Encinias the Flamenco concentration was founded at UNM and blossomed to be a pivotal element of college dance forms in the United States,” says Donna Jewell, head of the Department of Theatre and Dance. “The flamenco area in the Department of Theatre and Dance pushes the national and international dialogue about the art form and, under the direction of Assistant Professor Marisol Encinias, continues to pursue excellence in performance and research. As college dance programs change in this country, expressions of multiple cultures on stage are vital to the field.”
The festival has a rich history of showcasing exceptional dance performances from premier companies such as Twyla Tharp, Ailey, and the Martha Graham Dance Company. Its stages have witnessed the brilliance of world-class dancers and choreographers, earning it designation as a National Historic Landmark and a recipient of the National Medal of Arts.
“Las Horas Contadas,” choreographed by Flores, a visiting professor, premiered during “Monstro/us,” UNM’s faculty dance concert.
The piece draws inspiration from Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece, “Guernica,” and the haunting aftermath of war, the piece delivers a sophisticated and intricate portrayal of the turmoil experienced in war-torn Spain.
Members of the ensemble are Dominique Adessa, Chloe Mendoza, Isabella Alderete, Isabella Nuanez, Jesalyn McCollum and Madison Olguin.
Jewell says the selection of “Las Horas Contadas” for the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival is a tremendous honor, as it positions the University of New Mexico Department of Theatre and Dance as top-tier dance program in the nation.
“Only 30 works were chosen out of a pool of over 300 submissions for the National College Dance Conference, and with the invitation to Jacob’s Pillow, cements UNM’s place in the top 2% of collegiate dance programs,” she says. “This recognition speaks to the exceptional talent and dedication of the UNM dancers and the Department of Theatre and Dance’s commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.”