BALAM Dance Theatre to Perform in NJ Association of Verismo Opera's CARMEN, 4/26

BALAM Dance Theatre (BALAM), a New York City based dance company that has performed throughout the world, has been selected to perform in the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's new production of Georges Bizet's Carmen.

Under Artistic Director and Met Opera luminary Lucine Amara, Verismo Opera, the house opera company of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood, New Jersey, will present Carmen on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the theatre.

BALAM was selected for its extensive knowledge of Spanish dance and experience choreographing dance scenes in opera. "I am very excited to have the professional dance company BALAM Dance Theatre on our stage. The professionalism and pure excitement they are assured to bring cannot be overstated. We are thrilled to have them on board!" said Verismo Opera Stage Director, General Manager and Canadian soprano Evelyn La Quaif.

BALAM Artistic Director and Choreographer Carlos Fittante and Resident Spanish Dance Specialist Barbara Romero will debut with the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera in the production performing as gypsies.

"Performing in Verismo's production of Carmen is an opportunity to cultivate further the sophisticated New Jersey audience and to incorporate new theatrically vivacious Spanish dance choreography," said Fittante.

A choreographer and dance artist of remarkable diversity performing Ballet, Spanish Escuela Bolera, Baroque, and Balinese dance styles, Fittante has performed throughout the United States, Spain, Mexico, and Indonesia. Throughout his notable career as a guest choreographer, he has worked with several prestigious companies, including New York City Opera, Boston Early Music Festival, Princeton University Opera Theatre and Bilbao Opera in Spain. He has also created choreography for the Academy of Ancient Music, Apollo's Fire-The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra, Folias-Entertainments of the 17th & 18th Centuries, Ars Antiqua, Sinfonia New York, Quick Silver, Kingsbury Ensemble, American Virtuosi, Exponential Ensemble, The Long Island Baroque Ensemble, and others.

Fittante, a Spanish dancer noted for his charismatic and elegant performance style, has studied extensively Spanish historical sword technique and bullfighter cape technique. Under the tutelage of prominent teachers such as the acclaimed masters Jerane Michel and Mariano Parra, and José Molina, he perfected the artistry of Spanish dance.

For six seasons, Romero toured the United States with the Boston Flamenco Ballet under the direction of "El Naranjito" (Simon Blasco), where she choreographed and performed a new production annually. Among her work, she choreographed the opera Carmen for the Regina Opera Company, performed on the cabaret circuit and was the featured dancer at Meson Asturias, and appeared with Romeria Flamenca and at numerous tablaos.

Romero is known for her pristine, proud style, echoing the charisma from her master teachers both in the United States and Spain. She studied with luminary figures, such as Ciro, Fernando Romero, Alejandro Granados, Mariano Parra, José Molina, Orlando Romero, and Jerane Michel.

The fully staged production will present the cast singing in French with English supertitles provided. BALAM will perform at the beginning of the Act at the end of Chanson Boheme (Gypsy Song) at Lillas Pastia Tavern and in Act Four at the town entrance depicting the Plaza of Seville leading up to the bullfight arena scene.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.bergenpac.org, in person at bergenPAC's box office, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, New Jersey, and by calling (201) 227-1030 or toll-free at 1-888-PACSHOW. The theatre is handicapped accessible. Upon request to the house manager, hearing assist systems are available in bergenPAC's lobby.

About BALAM Dance Theatre - 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 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.

For further information, call 646-361-9183 or visit BALAM Dance Theatre on its blog, www.balamdancetheatre.blogspot.com; follow the company on Facebook, www.facebook.com/balamdancetheatre; check for updates on Twitter @BALAMDance, www.pinterest.com/BALAMDance, or view the company's work on You Tube at www.youtube.com/user/BalamDance.

Pictured: BALAM Dance Theatre's Carlos Fittante and Barbara Romero will debut with the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera in Carmen.

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