Since its launch in 2014, the CUNY Dance Initiative has built a 16-partner consortium, facilitated 220 residencies, granted more than 11,000 hours of studio and stage time, and sponsored instruction for more than 5,000 students.
In other words, there’s a lot to celebrate!
Two CDI alums – Los Ricos and Sekou McMiller & Friends – perform during a special tenth anniversary blowout at Queens College’s LeFrak Concert Hall on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7 pm.
Los Ricos, featuring Barcelona native Sonia Olla and Jersey’s Ismael Fernández, are known for mixing traditional Flamenco with contemporary dance influences. They’ll reprise the “palmas” section from “ELLA,” which was created during a 2018 CDI residency at Queens College.
Sekou McMiller & Friends features choreographer McMiller along with dancers, musicians, composers, and performers who combine Urban, Modern, Jazz, and Contemporary styles with an Afro-Caribbean essence (Salsa/Mambo, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, and Yorubá). On Nov. 16, they’ll share work developed during the company’s 2023-24 CDI residency at LaGuardia Community College.
General admission is $30.
“We are excited to step out of our ‘admin’ role with CDI and into our ‘presenter’ one for CDI’s 10th anniversary show,” stated Kupferberg Center for the Arts Director Jon Yanofsky. “With this double-bill performance, we’re spotlighting two of the talented 247 New York City choreographers CDI has supported over the past decade. We’re proud to be a part of this ground-breaking initiative on both sides of the stage!”
Seeded by the New York Community Trust and spearheaded by Kupferberg, CDI is a residency program and incubator for choreographers at 13 CUNY colleges and three arts organizations spread across New York City. Selectees receive performance space, rehearsal time, networking opportunities, partnerships, promotion, and instruction.
LeFrak Concert Hall is accessible via Queens College’s entrance at 65-30 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing. Several parking lots are neaby.
Here are the scheduled performers.
Los Ricos: Sonia Olla (dancer, choreographer, artistic director); Ismael Fernandez (singer, composer, musical director); Isabel Estrada Jamison (dancer); Ana Lucia Lugo (dancer); Ricardo Sanchez (guitar); Camila Cortina (piano); and Juan Diego Villalobos (percussion, vibraphone).
Sekou McMiller & Friends: McMiller (dancer, director, choreographer); Marielys Molina (dancer); Diego Rivera (dancer); Adriel Flete (dancer); Selena Tornez (dancer); Calvin Booker (tap); Desiree Godsell (rehearsal director); Camila Cortina (piano, music director); Raul Reyes (bass); Camilo Molina (trumpet); Elijah Maduro (tenor sax); Sebastian Natal (drums, percussion); and special guest Brenda Navarrete, a multi-talent from Cuba.
Images: Courtesy of Kupferberg Center for the Arts