“Weekend of Dance” at Detroit Institute of Arts celebrates final days of “Dance! American Art 1830–1960”
Updated May 18, 2016
May 18, 2016 (Detroit)—Enjoy a weekend of dance June 10–12 to celebrate the last three days of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ (DIA) popular exhibition “Dance! American Art 1830–1960,” which ends June 12. The museum has lively activities planned for the exhibition’s “last dance,” among them a tribute to Prince and Flamenco performances by the dynamic Valeria Montes, known as “La Chispa.”
The exhibition is free on Fridays and programs are free with museum admission unless otherwise noted.
Friday, June 10 (exhibition is free)
Dancing in the DIA: Animal Dance Party, 11 a.m., Great Hall
Enjoy this creative movement class inspired by some favorite animals. The class begins with a warmup that explores the beauty and grace of animal motion and ends with a masked animal dance party. All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary.
Dance Now Detroit: 1 p.m., Rivera Court
Performances by ConteXture dance Detroit, Foluké –JATA, Abigayle Cryderman, Dana Yordy/yorMove and A2D Dance Company exemplify the vitality of choreographers working in metro Detroit. This program is in partnership with ARTLAB J.
Inspired by Isadora: Classical Revival and Modernism in the Visual Arts and Dance, 3 p.m.
Dance historian Harriet Berg moderates a panel of Michigan-based dance historians in a discussion of Isadora Duncan and other dancers of the early 20th century who created a vogue for classical dress and movement.
Prince Tribute & Friday Night Live! Funk Dance Party, 7–11:30 p.m., Woodward Plaza, in front of museum entrance
Celebrate the music and dance legacy of Prince on the Woodward Plaza in front of DIA main entrance. DJ Thornstryker will spin some of Prince’s best tracks from 7 to 9 p.m., while several of Detroit’s best dance crews perform free-style and challenge each other to spontaneous dance battles. At 9:30 p.m., the dancing continues to a performance by the Mighty Funhouse funk band and special guests. Non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased from 7 to 9 p.m. and there will be a cash bar from 9 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, June 11
La Chispa and Company, 7 p.m., Detroit Film Theatre
Enjoy an evening of flamenco music and dance with guitarist Jose Vega and singer Ana Maria Polanco from Cadiz, Spain, dancer and percussionist Jesus C Munoz from the United States and Valeria Montes, “La Chispa,” from Mexico. Recipient of the 2010 Kresge Fellowship Award, Montes brings a fresh approach to flamenco, affirming its improvisational traditions. Sponsored by the Friends of Detroit Film Theatre. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at http://bit.ly/DIAflamenco.
Sunday, June 12
Artist Demonstration: Flamenco Basics with “La Chispa,” 2 p.m.
Delve into the rich history of flamenco with dancer Valeria Montes and guitarist Guillermo Guillen of La Chispa as they demonstrate the characteristic hand clapping, percussive footwork and intricate body movements of this highly expressive Spanish dance form. Audience participation is encouraged.
May 18, 2016 (Detroit)—Enjoy a weekend of dance June 10–12 to celebrate the last three days of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ (DIA) popular exhibition “Dance! American Art 1830–1960,” which ends June 12. The museum has lively activities planned for the exhibition’s “last dance,” among them a tribute to Prince and Flamenco performances by the dynamic Valeria Montes, known as “La Chispa.”
The exhibition is free on Fridays and programs are free with museum admission unless otherwise noted.
Friday, June 10 (exhibition is free)
Dancing in the DIA: Animal Dance Party, 11 a.m., Great Hall
Enjoy this creative movement class inspired by some favorite animals. The class begins with a warmup that explores the beauty and grace of animal motion and ends with a masked animal dance party. All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary.
Dance Now Detroit: 1 p.m., Rivera Court
Performances by ConteXture dance Detroit, Foluké –JATA, Abigayle Cryderman, Dana Yordy/yorMove and A2D Dance Company exemplify the vitality of choreographers working in metro Detroit. This program is in partnership with ARTLAB J.
Inspired by Isadora: Classical Revival and Modernism in the Visual Arts and Dance, 3 p.m.
Dance historian Harriet Berg moderates a panel of Michigan-based dance historians in a discussion of Isadora Duncan and other dancers of the early 20th century who created a vogue for classical dress and movement.
Prince Tribute & Friday Night Live! Funk Dance Party, 7–11:30 p.m., Woodward Plaza, in front of museum entrance
Celebrate the music and dance legacy of Prince on the Woodward Plaza in front of DIA main entrance. DJ Thornstryker will spin some of Prince’s best tracks from 7 to 9 p.m., while several of Detroit’s best dance crews perform free-style and challenge each other to spontaneous dance battles. At 9:30 p.m., the dancing continues to a performance by the Mighty Funhouse funk band and special guests. Non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased from 7 to 9 p.m. and there will be a cash bar from 9 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, June 11
La Chispa and Company, 7 p.m., Detroit Film Theatre
Enjoy an evening of flamenco music and dance with guitarist Jose Vega and singer Ana Maria Polanco from Cadiz, Spain, dancer and percussionist Jesus C Munoz from the United States and Valeria Montes, “La Chispa,” from Mexico. Recipient of the 2010 Kresge Fellowship Award, Montes brings a fresh approach to flamenco, affirming its improvisational traditions. Sponsored by the Friends of Detroit Film Theatre. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at http://bit.ly/DIAflamenco.
Sunday, June 12
Artist Demonstration: Flamenco Basics with “La Chispa,” 2 p.m.
Delve into the rich history of flamenco with dancer Valeria Montes and guitarist Guillermo Guillen of La Chispa as they demonstrate the characteristic hand clapping, percussive footwork and intricate body movements of this highly expressive Spanish dance form. Audience participation is encouraged.