As part of the Signature Series, The Soraya will bring to the stage three performances by today’s most stunning and innovative dance companies and choreographers.
Malpaso Dance Company with Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble
A Soraya first, the celebrated contemporary dance company Malpaso makes their debut on our stage on October 13. This artistic export direct from Havana is more than the rhythms and moves you love from Cuba. Malpaso captures the soul of the island nation, its aspirations, and its proud cultural identity alike. They have quickly become one of the most sought-after Cuban dance companies globally!
The Soraya again brings together live music and dance, with Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble backing the Cuban dance company on their groundbreaking work, “24 Hours and a Dog.”
The company will also perform a new piece by American choreographer Aszure Barton that brings us to present, “Stillness in Bloom.” Barton’s new work explores isolation and longed-for reunions—something we can all relate to.
“Requiem: Fire in the Air of the Earth” A.I.M by Kyle Abraham
Mozart’s Requiem is the inspiration for choreographer and MacArthur “Genius” Fellow Kyle Abraham, and EDM artist JLin’s collaboration in “Requiem: Fire in the Air of the Earth” on February 18, 2022 at The Soraya.
Kyle Abraham is a bold visionary who has choreographed for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Ballet, NYCB dancer Wendy Whelan and many more. Abraham founded his own company, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, in 2006 with the mission to create a body of dance-based work that is galvanized by Black culture and history.
Theresa Ruth Howard of Dance Magazine wrote about the company:
“The movement vernacular is mercurial amalgam that morphs through numerous genres—Modern, contemporary, ballet, hip-hop. It is a crazy, sexy, cool fusion of elite/street/afro-punkism that is a visual feast, a delicious ‘postmodern gumbo’ as he [Abraham] calls it.”
Considered an EDM wizard, JLin began producing music in 2008. She has since become one of the most prominent female producers of the current generation.
In “Requiem: Fire in the Air of the Earth,” JLin and Kyle Abraham combine traditions and innovations in both dance and music. Together they explore folklore, death, and reincarnation in a powerful new work that demands that the dancers have command of techniques ranging from ballet to street dance.
Watch this spectacular preview into what is probably one of the most innovative dance pieces to grace our stage in recent years.
Ballet BC
Following its 2022 debut as The Soraya’s new resident dance company and on the heels of its acclaimed performances of “Romeo + Juliet” and Crystal Pite’s unique and darkly comedic “The Statement,” Ballet BC returns to The Soraya for its second season on May 6. The Canadian troupe will take the stage with thought-provoking, moving and insightful new choreographic works for 2023.