Yuma: Dancing Down the Magdalena River

Yuma: Dancing Down the Magdalena River

Journey down the Magdalena River with us as you witness Colombia’s vibrant and rich culture of music and dance.

Slippery Rock University (SRU)-based dance company, Palenque, under the artistic direction of Melissa Teodoro presents Yuma, a concert that takes you on a journey down the Magdalena River. Yuma features music and dances born and practiced on the banks of Colombia’s main fluvial artery such as Bambucos, Fandangos and Bullerengues.

On March 28 the doors of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) in Pittsburgh will open at 6:30pm. An art and photography exhibit based on Teodoro’s research will be displayed in the theater lobby from 6:30 to 7:30pm featuring the works of photographer, Mahsa Afshari and SRU Art Department students under the supervision of Professor Heather Hertel. There will also be food, music, informational booths and merchandise. Pittsburgh-based band, Bésame will play catchy tunes as you browse the art exhibits and enjoy some Colombian food.

At 7:30pm twenty SRU dance majors, vocalists, Cindy Candelaria and Jorge Delgado, and guest performer Jadson Silva will fill AWAACC’s main stage with Colombia’s rhythms, colors and sabor!

Professor Melissa Teodoro has researched Colombia’s rich culture of dance for over twenty years and has directed her company, Palenque for over 12 years. Palenque is an outreach dance company based in the Department of Dance at SRU and provides students the opportunity to learn about Colombia and its fascinating culture through dance. Palenque members assist Teodoro in her ethnographic research of Colombian dances and have traveled with her to various regions of the South American country. Palenque performs at cultural and educational settings throughout the Western PA region and neighboring states providing audiences of all ages a taste of Colombia.

It has been a true honor to share my culture with my student, company members and audiences who have embraced everything I have presented to them with such curiosity and appreciation. I am very happy for this opportunity to present Yuma, a production that stemmed from my journey down the Magdalena River to the Pittsburgh community.

 (Melissa Teodoro).

Tickets can be purchased at the AWAACC Box Office or through the following link: https://culturaldistrict.org/production/104244

For more information on ticket sales, call the AWAACC: (412) 339-1011 ext. 1

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm.