By Lookout Staff

April 19,2024 -- SMC’s Global Motion World Dance Company will perform two folklórico dances from Mexico as part of its spring performance that appropriately takes place on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

The performances on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m. in The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center features dances from around the world.

"SMC students will present the excitement and diverse beauty of other cultures through showcasing traditional and contemporary World Dance styles," event organizers said.

The styles include West African, Afro-Peruvian, Contemporary Ballet, Bharatanatyam, Belly Dance, Haka, Jazz Funk, Mexican Folklórico and Salsa.

The performance will include dance works created for Global Motion by guest artists and renowned choreographers Nadia Calmet and Aparna Sindhoor.

It also includes two folklórico dances -- from the states of Guerrero and Zacatecas -- by SMC Dance Department company in residence Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo (BFFM) choreographed by Alondra Ramirez and Raquel Ramirez.

Founded four decades ago by retired SMC Dance Department chair Judith Douglas, Global Motion is under the artistic direction of SMC dance professors Raquel Ramirez, founder and director of a Mexican folklórico performance group, and Sri Susilowati, a dancer, choreographer and storyteller originally from Indonesia.

Global Motion was formed "to bring knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the diverse beauty of dance throughout the world," organizers said.

It also gives SMC students "the essential experience of working with choreographers and performing as a professional company, on a professional stage."

The ensemble has toured extensively and performed at schools, festivals, and special events throughout California and Mexico.

They also have performed in Beijing, China three times; Bracciano, Italy; Santiago, Chile; Lloret de Mar, Spain, and Paris, France.

Advance tickets can be purchased online at smc.edu/tickets at any time for $20, plus a modest service charge. Seating is on a first-arrival basis.

Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the performance for $23 (a modest service charge applies) at The Broad Stage Box Office at the SMC Performing Arts Center.

Free parking on premises. Seating is strictly on a first-arrival basis.

More information is available at smc.edu/dance or by calling the SMC Dance Department at 310-434-3467.