Guest Artist Barbara Romero Performs in BALAM Dance Theatre's THE FACES OF LOVE Tonight

BALAM Dance Theatre (BALAM) has performed throughout the world and brings its eclectic fusion style in the new program The Faces of Love, spotlighting Balinese, Baroque, Spanish, Commedia dell'Arte, and fusion work, in the organization's debut at the Puffin Cultural Forum tonight, February 1 at 8 p.m. Guest artist Barbara Romero of Hasbrouck Heights will perform El Vito, a rarely seen, alluring Spanish 19th century Escuela Bolera dance solo. Ms. Romero, co-artistic director of Danzas Españolas, will also lead the audience in a demonstration of palmas, Spanish rhythmic hand clapping.

Dance, music and acting inspired by themes of love, devotion and desire resonate throughout this production. The dancers performing in this program are BALAM Resident Balinese Artist Nani Devi, Noh Theatre actor/dancer Toshinori Hamada, principal ballerina Robin Gilbert, and artistic director, Baroque dance specialist, and Boston Early Music Festival co-choreographer Carlos Fittante. Featured special guest artists joining BALAM's talented team are acclaimed musician Leah Nelson on Baroque violin; Barbara Romero, co-artistic director of Danzas Españolas; and Inma Heredia from Seville, Spain and the world's first and only Flamenco stand-up comedian.

The program presents Margapati, a vibrant Balinese dance solo performed by a woman representing the power of a lion character and Tigerlily and the Dragonfly, a fantasy courtship on point. Spanish themes of love are seen in Amantes, a haunting masked solo performed to a rumba; Folia, a Baroque courtship performed with castanets and fan language; and Fandango Fantasy, a businessman's risqué dream performed to live Baroque violin music. The Melon Peel, a ribald Commedia dell'Arte monologue, will delight the audience. Sunda Upasunda, a mythic story of ambition, desire, and jealousy, blends karate, Spanish dance and sword technique, Balinese dance, and modern dance. The audience will also be invited to participate.

The event is open to the public and will be presented at 20 Puffin Way (off of Teaneck Road) in Teaneck, New Jersey. General seating is available, and tickets are $10. Reservations are recommended and may be made via email at tix@puffinfoundation.org or by calling 201-836-3499.

Founded as a contemporary Dance Company in 1979 by choreographer and movement researcher Islene Pinder, BALAM Dance Theatre (BALAM) joins diverse dances and historical periods from around the world with the dazzling opulence and magical aura of Balinese theatre. A New York City-based chamber company, BALAM creates an entertainment experience that appeals to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The company's innovative artistry and movement fusion of athletic and detailed skills are enhanced by eclectic music, striking masks, vibrant costumes and fantasy stories.

Programs include customized choreographies, lectures, demonstrations, master classes and workshops that educate the community at the grassroots level. BALAM has been featured at numerous festivals and venues, including First Night New York, Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, and Downtown Dance Festival and has also appeared throughout the United States and internationally. Praise has been received from the New York Times and Village Voice, the Governor and people of Bali and the Indonesian Consulate of New York, as well as others.

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