Latin American Cultural Week dance shows

Pan American Musical Art Research (PAMAR), founded and directed by Polly Ferman, has announced the eighth annual Latin American Cultural Week (LACW), a sumptuous list of events in New York City showing the rich culture of Latin America. Set for November 15-24, the events include music, dance and theater performances, films, visual arts and auctions.

The events, which are scheduled to take place all around town, including Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and The Apollo Theater, will include dance classes and seminars as well as many notable dance performances, most showcasing the passion and flavor of tango music and dance.

One dance highlight of this year’s LACW is a tango seminar led by tango masters Gabriel Misse and Analia Centurion. This seminar is designed to improve technique, develop sequences and build Argentine tango culture and musical appreciation. It will be offered on three separate occasions, including November 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., November 16 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and November 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Another dance highlight will be the show Heartbeat of Latin America, a new collaboration between Mestizo Dance Company and Harold Gutierrez and his band. It will pay homage to the music and dance of 22 Latin American nations. This will be presented Friday and Saturday, November 15 and 16 at 8 p.m.

On the same evening as the second presentation of Heartbeat of Latin America, New Generation Dance Company will present La Tangueria: Arte Tango, starring performances by Misse and Centurion. Directed by Dardo Galletto and Karina Romero, the show will transport audiences to the colorful barrios of Buenos Aires to encounter authentic Argentine Tango. Arte Tango will be performed at Galleto Studios, located in Manhattan at 151 West 46th Street on the 11th Floor, on Saturday, November 16 at 9 p.m.

For dancers new to tango, Strictly Tango NYC will offer two fun, introductory opportunities. First, Strictly Tango will offer $10 introduction classes on November 18 at 8 p.m. and November 15 and 23 at 3 p.m. This 45-minute class will introduce students to all the basic fundamentals of tango. Second, Strictly Tango will host a Wine and Tango Tasting, an event where the playfulness, sensuality and elegance of Argentine Tango will unite with the opportunity to taste various wines. This truly one-of-a-kind evening is perfect for couples seeking to spice things up, try something new or to just have fun together!

Then, to wrap up the LACW dance festivities, Ballet Hispanico, the nation’s leading Latino dance company, will present a one-night-only performance at The Apollo Theater on Saturday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m. Highlights will include a seductive performance inspired by the beloved Mexican celebration Dia de los Muertos and the premiere of an all-male dance that turns a playful eye on stereotypes. About last year’s sold-out performance, The New York Times wrote, “It feels like a tradition in the making.”

For more information on LACW’s dance happenings and other events, visit www.lacw.net. Tickets are now available. 

Photo: Ballet Hispanico rehearsing Edgar Zendejas’ Umbral, which will have its world premiere at The Apollo Theater on Saturday, November 23. Photo by Joshua Preston.