By Lina Broydo
When Dennis Nahat, the brilliant and internationally recognized maestro choreographer, producer, dancer and currently the Executive Manager of THE DONALD McKAYLE LEGACY finds his way to San Jose and collaborates with Yang Yang Lyon, the IPAA’s Artistic Director, Dancer and Choreographer, they both create one of the most spectacular evenings of cultural enrichment in the heart of Silicon Valley. Assembling the team of the gifted and award winning choreographers, talented dancers, stage & lighting aficionado Keneth Keith, and costume designers, the International Performing Arts of America (IPAA) showered the enthusiastic and appreciative audience with the most dazzling evening of dance, culture and international art.
With the motto and commitment of bringing more educational and ethnic dance events to the Bay Area, IPAA was excited to announce their strategic partnership with the Beijing Dance Academy (BDA) in creating collaborations between IPAA and BDA on promoting and advancing Chinese culture and performing arts.
It is virtually impossible for me to select my favorite program (it’s like asking the parents to select their favorite child) among the amazing repertoire presented at the sold out to the capacity and architecturally striking California Theater, located in downtown San Jose. But I did manage with great difficulty to choose a few selections at this stunning program which caught my attention and played to my emotions and they were:
* “Latin Dance” (Ballroom Dance) – A performance of Latin American show dances, where passion and technique come together to display the vibrancy of ballroom culture.
Choreographed by Vladimir Timofeev / Evgeniia Florinskaia; Performers Vladimir Timofeev / Evgeniia Florinskaia; *“Awakening” (Chinese Classical Dance). This piece draws inspiration from the feather headdress and rhythmic elements of Chinese Peking Opera, symbolizing a reflection on life and the relentless pursuit of a better, more meaningful existence. Choreographed by Yang Yang Lyon; Lead Dancer Xiaoming Wang. *“Sinuosity” (Pas de Deux) – This duet captures the blissful emotions that come with being in love. It evokes a sense of freedom, like sailing or gliding, with the comforting knowledge that the person you love will always be there to support you. Director / Choreographer Lauren Jonas / Sean Kelly with Performers Lizzie Devanney / Luis Gonzalez. *Opera Selection: This performance featured iconic pieces by Puccini (as we celebrate this year his centenary), including O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi Nessun Dorma from Turandot, O soave fanciulla from La Boheme. Performers Christa Headshot / Marco Headshot.
**Bloom (Contemporary Duet) – A poetic duet that celebrates love’s omnipresence, portraying its ability to bloom in every heart, enduring through time. Choreographer Yang Yang Lyon. Performers Jing Zhang / Jessica Wu; *”The Red Thistle” – Scottish Country Dancing is the traditional ballroom dance of Scotland, featuring lively jigs, reels, and elegant sashes. This performance’s repertoire spans centuries, including both historical dances and original pieces. *“Nine Ladies”: Choreographer Jennifer Kelly. *”1900” (Modern Ballet): This solo ballet traces the origins of Tango, which began in Argentina in the late 19th century. Tango music blends influence from Europe, Native American cultures, the Caribbean, and Africa. By 1900, it had entered Buenos Aires’ wealthier neighborhoods but was still largely associated with working-class venues such as bars and bordellos. Choreographer Alejandro Gomez; Music Piazzola; Performer Astrid Arvelo.
International Performing Arts of America (IPAA) is a non-profit dance group based in the Bay Area. They are passionate about celebrating culture through motion and choreography. They believe that dance has the power to promote the diversity and richness of ethnic groups, while telling deeply personal stories. Our inclusive team is composed of professional ballet and ethnic folk dancers as well as trained enthusiasts who come together from all over the Bay Area. Coming from different of life, they bond over dance as their common language to communicate with the world.
Since our inception in 2018, IPAA has showcased numerous original choreographies representing a variety of styles and cultures. Each year, they collaborate with performers around the world to celebrate our diversity and shared passion for dance– all in an effort to create a truly inclusive and diverse community
Photos courtesy of Andy Lyon
(from top down: Yang Yang Lyon, Dennis Nahat, Kenneth Keith)
