Mosaic Dance Theater Celebrates 15th Anniversary With Concert In Caldwell

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Mosaic Dance Theater Company (MDTC), in association with Mount St. Dominic Academy, presents two performances of original dance works from the repertory, highlighting the diverse dance styles and folklore of the Mediterranean countries of North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. The program will be presented at the Doris M. Byrne Performing Arts Center at Mount St. Dominic Academy, 3 Ryerson Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006.

Performances are scheduled for Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and are free to the general public. Join the artists after the show for a Q&A. The program is presented free of charge, and reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations can be made online at www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/3575684, or call 1-800-838-3006. For additional information, visit www.MosaicDanceTheaterCo.org.

In the 15 years since MDTC's inaugural performance in 2003, Artistic Director for Dance and Choreographer, Samara Adell, has created an expansive dance repertory featuring the distinct folkloric traditions found throughout the Near East. This anniversary concert offers the audience a variety of these individual dance styles: karsilama (Turkey), dabke (Lebanon), khaleegi (Saudi Arabia), Nubian (Southern Egypt/Sudan), and raks sharki (Egypt). In addition, the program includes:

· "Raks al-Sai'idi," a joyous folkloric dance of Upper Egypt, and one of MDTC's signature dance works, featuring the traditionally used props: sagat (finger cymbals), assaya (cane), and balas (water jug);

· "Enheduanna" an excerpt from Fo(u)r Women, created and directed by Ms. Adell and singer/songwriter Gary Kupper, a theatrical multi-media work celebrating the life of this first non-anonymous author of the ancient Mesopotamian civilization of Sumer;

· "La Lettera d'Isabella," an original scenario for the commedia dell'arte, created and directed by Morgiana Celeste Varricchio, portrayed through movement and dance to an underscore of traditional Italian folk music.

Performing in the concert are Mosaic Company dancers Samara Adell, Morgiana Celeste Varricchio, Nina Brewton, Kendra Dushac McCarthy, and guest dancers Heather Panikkar, Carlos Fittante, Michael Feigenbaum, Danielle Hartman, and Kaitlin Hines.

Based in Glen Ridge, N.J., MDTC is dedicated to the dance and folkloric traditions of the Mediterranean region. The Company's original dance, theater, and educational programs celebrate the rich diversity of cultures of the lands of North Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Greece, Italy and Spain. The dances and music, the stories and myths, and the history and legends of this fascinating area form the wellspring of inspiration for MDTC's creative vision. Founded in 2003 by Producing Artistic Director Morgiana Celeste Varricchio, this critically acclaimed company is known for its artistry and authenticity, not only in creating the original works that comprise its repertory, but also in faithfully researching their origins to ensure cultural integrity. Touring nationally to performing arts venues, universities, schools, and community institutions, the Company is the recipient of the Sunshine Award for its contribution to the performing arts, recognized by NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) and the United Nations.

Mount St. Dominic Academy, established by the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell in 1892, is a Catholic, college preparatory school for young women, dedicated to the education of young women from a variety of ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. The Mount community is committed to seeking the Truth in all aspects of life. The students are able to realize their individual gifts and talents in an atmosphere that fosters academic excellence, respect for diversity, appreciation for the gifts of creation, and moral integrity.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.

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