Performance Playbill
The Decatur Arts Festival in association with Beacon Dance
Presents
Breaking New Ground: New Dance
at The Decatur Arts Festival
May 6 & 7, 2023, 3:30 PM
Decatur Recreation Center Dance Studio
231 Sycamore St., Decatur, GA
Program
I want your love (Sunday Only)
Choreographed by: René Nesbit
Music by : P.J. Pacifico
Performed by Cherish Dance: Suzanne Brinson, Laila Campbell, Patrick Condon, Nancy Glasscock, Talia Jaeger, René Nesbit, and Sara Sharples
Cherish Dance is a modern-based dance company bringing its unique blend of storytelling and powerful movement to the vibrant Atlanta arts scene. You can learn more about us on Instagram : @cherish.dance and Facebook : @cherish.dance.family
Voices Assemble! (Excerpt)
Choreographic Direction by D. Patton White
Music by Cruel Diagnosis, Andre Young and Marshall Mathers
Costume design by D. Patton White
Performed by Lynn Hesse, Susan Keller, Alex Spitzer, Curtis Tention and Carly Wynans
D. Patton White is in his 33rd season directing Beacon Dance. Beacon is focused on developing an appreciation for and understanding of contemporary dance. The work of Beacon is informed by the fundamental elements of dance—the body, time, space and energy, as well as the furthering of social justice and the protection of the natural world. Beacon often presents work in unexpected and unusual locations with the intention of altering one’s perception of both the space and of performance.
Sri Vigna Rajam Bhaje
Choreography by: Sai venkata gangadhar
Music by: Indian Raaga
Costumes by: Hima Karri and Leenatha Vancha
Performed by: Hima Karri and Leenatha Vancha
Shiv Tandav Stotram
Choreographed and Performed by: Hima Karri and Leenatha Vancha
Music by: Shailesh Dani
Costumes by: Hima Karri and Leenatha Vancha
I am Leenatha Vancha, an Atlanta-based dancer. I am formally trained in Indian classical dance form, Kuchipudi and have been practicing the art form for the past 15 years. I am currently a student of Mrs. Renuka Prabhakar Founder/Director of Manjeera Dance Academy, India. I had performed solos at various Indian Temples and at Indian festivals across Atlanta. Apart from classical dance, I also performed on Bollywood(group) dance at various events - Dogwood Fest , ATL Night Market, Suwanee Fest etc., across Atlanta.
Hima Karri, a dancer formally trained in Bharatanatyam and Kushipudi, two similar yet distinct Indian classical dance forms. She has been a student of Indian classical dances for over 20 years, served as the creative secretary for the Indian Association while pursuing M.S. Computer Science at Clemson University and continue to be a participant in all Indian cultural activities around Atlanta. I currently train from Neelima Gaddamanugu, director of Nataraja Natyanjali school of Kuchipudi, Atlanta, and am pursuing Master of Arts - Kuchipudi from the University of SiliconAndhra
We are truly passionate about preserving Indian culture through dance while using it as a bridge to connect with other cultures. We are excited to present Indian Classical/Fusion at the Decatur Arts Fest .
Go For IT!
Choreographed and Performed by: Gloria Blalock-Kitchens
Music by: James Wright, James Harris III, Terry Lewis, Yolanda Adams, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Diane Warren, Alicia Keys, Jeff Bhasker, Salaam Remi and Billy Squier, Jamie Grace
Gloria Blalock-Kitchens has been performing for over 20 years. She loves eclectic work that inspires and encourages people to live their best life in peace and freedom. Gloria travels locally and internationally ministering, performing, teaching, training, conducting workshops, and consulting groups and individuals on the artistry of interpretive, creative, expressive dance. She is also heavily involved in volunteering, missions, and the community. She combines her love of dance with her various other professions {Life & Health Insurance Agent, Aerobic Dance & PT Instructor, and Counselor}.
Shaken Not Stirred
Choreographed by: Heidi Baila
Music by: Fanfare Ciocarlia (James Bond Theme) & Salaam (Fun Der Kuppe)
Performered by: Heidi Baila joined on Sunday by members of Meraki Dance Collective
This piece confirms that it is in fact better to shake things up than to stir the pot. Using transcultural dance fusion as a base to shake up preconceived notions about what is colloquially referred to as belly dance fusion, a blend of western dance stylings and SWANAHT (Southwest Asian, North African, Hellenic (Greek) and Turkish dance traditions. Conceived by Heidi Baila, a first generation AfroCuban American metro-Atlanta based performer, choreographer and diversity consultant. She's joined on Sunday by members of her choreography troupe Meraki Dance Collective. www.HeidiBaila.com
Alegrías
Choreographed by: Julie Galle Baggenstoss
Music: Traditional
Costume by: Julie Galle Baggenstoss
Performed by: Julie Galle Baggenstoss, dance; Mark Harzog, guitar; La Tabi, palmas
Flamenco dancer Julie Galle Baggenstoss, “Julie Moon,” is a flamenco dancer working nationally on stage and in educational projects. Close to her home of Decatur, she has performed and choreographed flamenco with the Atlanta Opera, Georgia State University’s School of Music, Woodruff Arts Center, The Latin American Association, Coves Darden P.R.E., and at universities and museums from the Southeast to the Midwest. She teaches flamenco in the Dance and Movement Studies Program at Emory University. Julie is a former instructor of the Atlanta Ballet, and currently teaches flamenco as part of arts integration for Fulton County Schools and ArtsNOW. Julie has published original research and lectures on flamenco’s avant-garde, the African influence of flamenco, and the Latin American presence in the Spanish art form. Julie is the executive director of A Través, 501c3, which founded the Atlanta Flamenco Festival and La Feria ATLANTA.
Tang
Choreography by: Lori Teague, with performers
Music by: Jon Batiste
Costumes by: Each flower designs and creates their own costume.
Performed by: Marie Carrera, Deborah Elzea, Lesly Fredman, Lynn Hesse, Alison Mawle, Noel Marts, Lori Teague, and Anna Vandenberg
The Dancing Flowers for Peace, under the creative leadership of Lesly Fredman, Noel Marts, and Lori Teague, formed in October 2005 out of a desire to transform violence and negativity into peace. The group offers free, bi-monthly improvisation classes that emphasize play and collaboration as well as movement workshops for women that promote peace, mindful living, collaboration, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Come move with us!
Technical Staff
Stage Manager and Sound Board Operator: D. Patton White
With Deepest Gratitude!
Our performances this weekend have been made possible by the generosity of our individual donors as well as several public funding agencies. Listing represents gifts made between July 1, 2022 and May 5, 2023. We sincerely regret any omissions.
Hans Friedrichsen, Trisha Clymore, Donna Rutherford, Marie Carrera, Kimberly Merritt, Brock Savage, Shannon Turner, Peter Mendoza, Anderson England, Annie Sease, Mitchell Bowling, Paula Larke, Celeste Miller, Karen Thornton, Greg Savitt, Bill Kinsey, Lynn Farmer, Nancy Zumoff, Leon Clymore, Lesly Fredman, Karen Hammeras Zfaty, Ted Pettus, Rosalee Shorter, Bailey Barash, Carol Calvert, Jacquelyn Pritz, Lane Gormley, Keith Bailey, Carol Sandiford, Nancy White, Becky England, Cyndy Vaughn, Rose Shields, Alex Spitzer, Kathie de Nobriga, Lynn Hesse, Eleanor Brownfield, Jean Heinrich, Dana Lupton, Kristin O’Neal, Susan Keller, Ann Ritter, Russell Berry, John & Martha England, Andy Weiskoff, Whatley Fenlon, Susan Rawlston, Lynn Farmer, Leon Clymore, D. Patton White, Derrick Causey, Joe Follman, Elaine Gayle, Frazer Lively and Curtis Tention.
This program is supported in part by The Decatur Arts Alliance, Alternate ROOTS and by
Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia
General Assembly. Georgia Council for the Arts also receives support from its partner agency –
the National Endowment for the Arts
I want your love (Sunday Only)
Choreographed by: René Nesbit
Music by : P.J. Pacifico
Performed by Cherish Dance: Suzanne Brinson, Laila Campbell, Patrick Condon, Nancy Glasscock, Talia Jaeger, René Nesbit, and Sara Sharples
Cherish Dance is a modern-based dance company bringing its unique blend of storytelling and powerful movement to the vibrant Atlanta arts scene. You can learn more about us on Instagram : @cherish.dance and Facebook : @cherish.dance.family
Voices Assemble! (Excerpt)
Choreographic Direction by D. Patton White
Music by Cruel Diagnosis, Andre Young and Marshall Mathers
Costume design by D. Patton White
Performed by Lynn Hesse, Susan Keller, Alex Spitzer, Curtis Tention and Carly Wynans
D. Patton White is in his 33rd season directing Beacon Dance. Beacon is focused on developing an appreciation for and understanding of contemporary dance. The work of Beacon is informed by the fundamental elements of dance—the body, time, space and energy, as well as the furthering of social justice and the protection of the natural world. Beacon often presents work in unexpected and unusual locations with the intention of altering one’s perception of both the space and of performance.
Sri Vigna Rajam Bhaje
Choreography by: Sai venkata gangadhar
Music by: Indian Raaga
Costumes by: Hima Karri and Leenatha Vancha
Performed by: Hima Karri and Leenatha Vancha
Shiv Tandav Stotram
Choreographed and Performed by: Hima Karri and Leenatha Vancha
Music by: Shailesh Dani
Costumes by: Hima Karri and Leenatha Vancha
I am Leenatha Vancha, an Atlanta-based dancer. I am formally trained in Indian classical dance form, Kuchipudi and have been practicing the art form for the past 15 years. I am currently a student of Mrs. Renuka Prabhakar Founder/Director of Manjeera Dance Academy, India. I had performed solos at various Indian Temples and at Indian festivals across Atlanta. Apart from classical dance, I also performed on Bollywood(group) dance at various events - Dogwood Fest , ATL Night Market, Suwanee Fest etc., across Atlanta.
Hima Karri, a dancer formally trained in Bharatanatyam and Kushipudi, two similar yet distinct Indian classical dance forms. She has been a student of Indian classical dances for over 20 years, served as the creative secretary for the Indian Association while pursuing M.S. Computer Science at Clemson University and continue to be a participant in all Indian cultural activities around Atlanta. I currently train from Neelima Gaddamanugu, director of Nataraja Natyanjali school of Kuchipudi, Atlanta, and am pursuing Master of Arts - Kuchipudi from the University of SiliconAndhra
We are truly passionate about preserving Indian culture through dance while using it as a bridge to connect with other cultures. We are excited to present Indian Classical/Fusion at the Decatur Arts Fest .
Go For IT!
Choreographed and Performed by: Gloria Blalock-Kitchens
Music by: James Wright, James Harris III, Terry Lewis, Yolanda Adams, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Diane Warren, Alicia Keys, Jeff Bhasker, Salaam Remi and Billy Squier, Jamie Grace
Gloria Blalock-Kitchens has been performing for over 20 years. She loves eclectic work that inspires and encourages people to live their best life in peace and freedom. Gloria travels locally and internationally ministering, performing, teaching, training, conducting workshops, and consulting groups and individuals on the artistry of interpretive, creative, expressive dance. She is also heavily involved in volunteering, missions, and the community. She combines her love of dance with her various other professions {Life & Health Insurance Agent, Aerobic Dance & PT Instructor, and Counselor}.
Shaken Not Stirred
Choreographed by: Heidi Baila
Music by: Fanfare Ciocarlia (James Bond Theme) & Salaam (Fun Der Kuppe)
Performered by: Heidi Baila joined on Sunday by members of Meraki Dance Collective
This piece confirms that it is in fact better to shake things up than to stir the pot. Using transcultural dance fusion as a base to shake up preconceived notions about what is colloquially referred to as belly dance fusion, a blend of western dance stylings and SWANAHT (Southwest Asian, North African, Hellenic (Greek) and Turkish dance traditions. Conceived by Heidi Baila, a first generation AfroCuban American metro-Atlanta based performer, choreographer and diversity consultant. She's joined on Sunday by members of her choreography troupe Meraki Dance Collective. www.HeidiBaila.com
Alegrías
Choreographed by: Julie Galle Baggenstoss
Music: Traditional
Costume by: Julie Galle Baggenstoss
Performed by: Julie Galle Baggenstoss, dance; Mark Harzog, guitar; La Tabi, palmas
Flamenco dancer Julie Galle Baggenstoss, “Julie Moon,” is a flamenco dancer working nationally on stage and in educational projects. Close to her home of Decatur, she has performed and choreographed flamenco with the Atlanta Opera, Georgia State University’s School of Music, Woodruff Arts Center, The Latin American Association, Coves Darden P.R.E., and at universities and museums from the Southeast to the Midwest. She teaches flamenco in the Dance and Movement Studies Program at Emory University. Julie is a former instructor of the Atlanta Ballet, and currently teaches flamenco as part of arts integration for Fulton County Schools and ArtsNOW. Julie has published original research and lectures on flamenco’s avant-garde, the African influence of flamenco, and the Latin American presence in the Spanish art form. Julie is the executive director of A Través, 501c3, which founded the Atlanta Flamenco Festival and La Feria ATLANTA.
Tang
Choreography by: Lori Teague, with performers
Music by: Jon Batiste
Costumes by: Each flower designs and creates their own costume.
Performed by: Marie Carrera, Deborah Elzea, Lesly Fredman, Lynn Hesse, Alison Mawle, Noel Marts, Lori Teague, and Anna Vandenberg
The Dancing Flowers for Peace, under the creative leadership of Lesly Fredman, Noel Marts, and Lori Teague, formed in October 2005 out of a desire to transform violence and negativity into peace. The group offers free, bi-monthly improvisation classes that emphasize play and collaboration as well as movement workshops for women that promote peace, mindful living, collaboration, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Come move with us!
Technical Staff
Stage Manager and Sound Board Operator: D. Patton White
With Deepest Gratitude!
Our performances this weekend have been made possible by the generosity of our individual donors as well as several public funding agencies. Listing represents gifts made between July 1, 2022 and May 5, 2023. We sincerely regret any omissions.
Hans Friedrichsen, Trisha Clymore, Donna Rutherford, Marie Carrera, Kimberly Merritt, Brock Savage, Shannon Turner, Peter Mendoza, Anderson England, Annie Sease, Mitchell Bowling, Paula Larke, Celeste Miller, Karen Thornton, Greg Savitt, Bill Kinsey, Lynn Farmer, Nancy Zumoff, Leon Clymore, Lesly Fredman, Karen Hammeras Zfaty, Ted Pettus, Rosalee Shorter, Bailey Barash, Carol Calvert, Jacquelyn Pritz, Lane Gormley, Keith Bailey, Carol Sandiford, Nancy White, Becky England, Cyndy Vaughn, Rose Shields, Alex Spitzer, Kathie de Nobriga, Lynn Hesse, Eleanor Brownfield, Jean Heinrich, Dana Lupton, Kristin O’Neal, Susan Keller, Ann Ritter, Russell Berry, John & Martha England, Andy Weiskoff, Whatley Fenlon, Susan Rawlston, Lynn Farmer, Leon Clymore, D. Patton White, Derrick Causey, Joe Follman, Elaine Gayle, Frazer Lively and Curtis Tention.
This program is supported in part by The Decatur Arts Alliance, Alternate ROOTS and by
Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia
General Assembly. Georgia Council for the Arts also receives support from its partner agency –
the National Endowment for the Arts