Winter Dance Escape, the annual performance of The Hiland Company dancers, will present “We Are Here,” a multi-media dance experience, April 3 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Tickets on sale March 21 at www.ndi-nm.org/tickets
SANTA FE, N.M. (March 16, 2022) National Dance Institute (NDI) of New Mexico today announced the return of its popular annual live performance, Winter Dance Escape, at The Hiland Theater in Albuquerque. The Hiland Company dancers will be presenting the multimedia dance experience We Are Here on Sunday April 3 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
We Are Here, choreographed by Hiland Artistic Director Steven Melendez and Advanced Training Director Tom Porras, is a tribute to the resilience of The Hiland Company dancers, and by extension all young people coming of age in this complex time. Weaving in choreography and poetry contributions from 20 dancers, this multi-media experience combines voice narration, video, live dance performance, and modular set design. It is presented as a testament to the healing power that the arts and positive mentorships from caring instructors can provide to young people’s well-being and self-image.
“There’s nothing like the feeling of opening night with the other company members,” said Maya Lopez, who will be performing in We Are Here. “Each piece we’ll be performing has choreography drawn from stories from our own lives, and that makes We are Here that much more important. It is a look into not only who we are as people, but as a unified community made up of many different perspectives.”
“Everyone at NDI New Mexico is thrilled that our students are once again able to perform onstage, with live music and before an enthusiastic audience,” said Liz Salganek, NDI New Mexico Artistic Director. “Our students have rehearsed with renewed dedication in anticipation of being able to express their talent in front of their families, friends, and community members after a two-year hiatus.”
NDI New Mexico Executive Director Russell Baker added, “That our students are presenting this unique and sophisticated performance is reflective of NDI New Mexico’s focus on helping young people gain confidence through hard work, resilience and doing their best for themselves and their families. We think the Albuquerque community will be thrilled by the sheer creativity of this performance as well as the emotional breadth and technical skill exhibited by our students.”
Tickets for Winter Dance Escape are available at www.ndi-nm.org/tickets. Seating is limited. Audience will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination or provide negative COVID test results to attend the performances.
NDI New Mexico’s annual Winter Dance Escape performance provides the organization’s advanced students with opportunities to participate in high-level, curated productions, which appropriately challenge them to expand their technical artistry and performance capabilities. These experiences often lead students to develop a passion for performing and interest in participating in more NDI New Mexico classes, as well as summer programs around the country and performing arts high school experiences.
About: NDI New Mexico is founded with the knowledge that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate children. The purpose of our distinctive programs is to help children develop discipline, a standard of excellence and a belief in themselves that will carry over into all aspects of their lives. NDI New Mexico’s programs teach the Core Four values, encouraging children to work hard, do their best, never give up, and be healthy. For more information visit www.ndi-nm.org. Follow NDI New Mexico on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.