![]() ![]() Everyone dances - in clubs, in their culture, by themselves in their living rooms. Initially, just the notion that dance troupes could show off their stuff - “a key factor at first was the visibility,” he says - rallied the community. When you bring these people into the same space, things can happen.”Īnd things did happen. I wanted the broader population: audiences, all forms of dance, even experts who do research into sociology and anthropology - they study dance as well. ![]() “I wanted more than just the performing organizations. “I spent several years working out ideas before we launched,” Mateo says. The competition is fierce.”īringing together the disparate dance community was the first step. Arts organizations are accused of being territorial, but we have to be - we’re all in survival mode. We’re all specialists - it’s a necessity in order to practice art at the highest level. ![]() “The community is quite large, but never gets represented as a force. “We are so compartmentalized,” he says of the dance world. “This is an initiative that looks to develop over time, and cultivate long-term partnerships.” “There was a reason we named it so broadly,” Mateo says. This is not what Dance for World Community is about. But then they turn their attention to another issue.” They might even choreograph a piece about a social issue. They might join with the AIDS action committee, and do a one-time event. “When it comes to social change, dance companies, historically, have partnered with a single cause. My curiosity was about harnessing that power. Dance can play a role in all these things. “The question was how to demonstrate that dance can have a powerful voice in improving communities, in housing, public health, transportation, education. Everyone has a personal experience - it may seem like an insignificant memory - about dance, that gives us an insight into a different side of that person. But this whole project is based on the idea that we are all dancers. “We have been taught to separate the arts from more serious concerns. As do the tens of thousands of people who have come to Harvard Square for the past eight years. And when you talk to him about it, you believe as well. DWC brings that understanding to the broader community.”ĭance does not seem like the logical path leading to solutions for poverty, health issues, housing inadequacies and social justice. I have to help everyone understand that they have a greater responsibility. “You can’t say, ‘I’m just an artist.’ If I did that, my work would not be done. “I think Dance for World Community will be the most important part of my contribution,” he says. ![]() The Cuban-born choreographer, whose Ballet Theatre just finished celebrating its 30th season, believes that his personal responsibility extends much further than “just” creating dozens of neo-classical ballet works, training hundreds of dancers and performing before thousands of audience members. For a complete listing of events, visit DWC's website. In addition, during the week preceding the festival, there are public lectures, a film series, dance and advocacy workshops. Communities Without Borders, MASSCreative, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, Girl Up Clubs, BostonGLOW, Better Future International, Greater Boston Legal Services, Homeless Empowerment Project - these are just some of the groups that have aligned themselves with a vision that melds the power of dance with the goal of bettering communities.ĭance for World Community takes place in and around Harvard Square on Saturday, June 11 from noon till 8 p.m. In keeping with DWC’s mission of dance infused with social activism, dozens of advocacy groups join in as well. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |