Achinta S. McDaniel's Blue13 Dance Company To Present World Premiere of 'Fire & Powder' at Ford Theatres 8/3

BLUE13 DANCE COMPANY led by Artistic Director, ACHINTA S. McDANIEL, and Associate Artistic Director, Arun Mathai, will present the world premiere of FIRE & POWDER, a modern day dance theatre adaptation of Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story in which the rival houses of Hip-Hop Capulets battle Bollywood Montagues. The tale of star-crossed lovers is told through contemporary Indian dance, hip-hop, Bhangra, break dance and tap set to a rousing soundtrack including live drumming by Dhol Nation, modern rock and Bollywood hits, and original music written by composers from around the globe. This fiercely energetic new show, featuring over 20 dancers, will be presented on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. at the John Anson Ford Theatres, 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard East, Hollywood, CA 90068.

The production will feature original choreography by Achinta S. McDaniel and by guest hip-hop choreographer, Sara VonGillern (So You Think You Can Dance) underscored by original music written by composers, DJ Persyst, Plum feat, Evan Roman, Tej Gill, Benjamin Kelley and Adam Conrad. Other music includes Bollywood hits and music by The White Stripes.

Achinta S. McDaniel had this to say about the creation of this new show: "The connection between Bollywood and hip-hop is so great, and was such a natural path for Blue13 to take in FIRE & POWDER. Both are cultures including music, dance, fashion, and beyond, with varied traditions and pasts. Both are huge umbrellas for movement genres falling within each, from b-boying and popping and wacking in hip-hop to classical Indian and Bhangra seen in Bollywood. What strings them together for us as dancers and choreographers is the contemporary undercurrent, and the telling of the story: our homage toRomeo & Juliet with the 'wrong side of the tracks' sensibility of West Side Story. Rival gangs characterized by Bollywood versus hip-hop just came to me as an obvious choice in FIRE & POWDER'S inception. Working collaboratively with Sara VonGillern, who is just a gorgeous contemporary and hip-hop choreographer, has been a great fit. Workshopping in the studio with all of the dancers has been a truly collaborative environment as well, using everyone's individual strengths to create a strong and beautiful production. The seemingly clashing genres are a perfect match for us! From whirling upside down b-boys to flirty Bollywood snippets to emotional modern pieces, this show really has something for everyone. Oh, and don't forget the amazing music!"

House of Montague features: Arun Mathai (of West Hollywood) as Romeo; Heather McManama (of Hollywood) as Mercutio; Rieka Toya (of Culver City) and Gaby Alcazar (of Los Angeles) as The Sister Montague; Dre Jackson (of Los Angeles) as Lady Montague and Achinta S. McDaniel (of Los Angeles) as Rosaline. Other Montagues will include: Shoshana Mozlin (of Encinitas); Jada Sine (of Van Nuys); Kristoffer King (of Long Beach); andMichael Sorensen (of Long Beach).

House of Capulet features: Bridget Wilson (of Glendale) as Juliet; Jon Paul (of North Hollywood) as Paris; and Sara VonGillern (of Los Angeles) as Tybalt. Other Capulets will include: Brian Siggers, Jr. (of North Hollywood);Crystal Weaks (of Compton); Liz Abitua (of North Hollywood); Jaron Gilchrist (of North Hollywood); Ingel Catindig (of Los Angeles); Garvin "Gyroe the Magnificent" Tran (of Alhambra) and Camille Cardinale (of Brentwood).

Ken Tietjen (of West Hollywood) will appear as Officer Krupke.

BOLLYWOOD FLASH MOB ALERT: A chance to join the dancers in a creative, fun way. Please visit www.youtube.com/blue13dancecompany to learn choreography from the show. When the song plays during FIRE & POWDER, the audience members can stand and perform the dance from their seats and filling the aisles at the Ford Theatres! There will be a live YouTube broadcast on Sunday, July 14th at 3:00 p.m. Video will be available thereafter to practice with.

The audience is encouraged to choose its side of the feud: Team Capulet or Team Montague! In keeping with the theme of the night, the Ford Theatres plaza will be transformed into rival battlegrounds, replete with Indian trimmings, performances, vendors, artisans, and musicians displaying and selling Indian wares, including jewelry, bags and bangles. Since there will be General Seating in the Ford Amphitheatre for this event, theatergoers will have the opportunity to choose which side of the audience they would like to sit in, Team Montague's or Team Capulet's. T-shirts will be available for purchase, pledging your allegiance.

Tickets are $45 for VIP Packages, which include Gift Bags, Raffle Tickets and post-show Meet & Greet. Full Price: $30; Student: $15 with identification; and Children $12 (Ages 12 and under). Patrons purchasing tickets prior to July 27th will save $5 on each ticket purchased. To buy tickets and to learn more about Blue13 Dance Company, visit the websites, www.blue13dance.com or http://www.fordtheatres.org/en/events/details/id/568, or call the Ford Box Office at 323 GO 1-FORD (323-461-3673). Groups of 8 - 15 save 10% on the regular ticket price; Groups of 16 or more save 20%. For Group Sales please call 323-769-2147.

The Ford Theatres are located at 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard East, Hollywood, CA 90068, just off the 101 Hollywood Freeway across the Hollywood Bowl and south of Universal Studios. The grounds open two hours before show time for picnicking. The Ford offers a number of dining options: a variety of food and beverages is available on site and box dinners for evening events may be ordered in advance. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink. The Ford is disabled accessible. Portable wireless listening devices are available upon request.

On-site stacked parking costs $5 per vehicle for evening shows and FREE non-stacked parking serviced by a FREE shuttle to the Ford, is available at the Universal City Metro Station lot at Lankershim Boulevard and Campo de Cahuenga. The shuttle, which cycles every 15-20 minutes, stops in the "kiss and ride" area.

This event is part of the Ford Amphitheatre 2013 Season, a multi-disciplinary arts series produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission in cooperation with Los Angeles County-based arts organizations. For a complete season schedule, directions to the theater and parking information, log on to www.fordtheatres.org.

Photos by Anne Slattery

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