Tsunami Echoes: Katrina Cries at Vanderbilt
Initially inspired by the devastating effects of the 2004 Asian tsunami, the company formed with a common need to respond and provide relief to those affected. When Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf Coast the following year, the dancers were led to incorporate the local disaster into their creative process. Tsunami Echoes: Katrina Cries is the journey of dancers from all walks of life, their response to the storms and their depiction of those affected.
“Artists respond to life-changing events by creating art. That is why I formed this company,” said Glenn Frederick, artistic director. “I was unable to just sit still while so many people worldwide were suffering, so I gathered a group of talented, dedicated and thoughtful dancers to help me conceive a show rooted in human need and spirit. There?s something in the human spirit that can be restored after facing tragedy, and we?d like to help that process along ? both through tangible aid and an artistic acknowledgement of their pain.”
Frederick, a native of Trinidad, formed the Glenn Frederick Repertory Dance Theatre in January 2005. Before coming to Nashville, he was a member of the National Dance Company of Trinidad and Tobago. Locally, he has taught at the Global Education Center, Vanderbilt University and the Village Cultural Arts Center, among others.
Tsunami Echoes, Katrina Cries will explore the origins and outcomes of the tragedies from all angles, as the dancers become the earth, atmosphere, towns, people and animals through the choreography. Some original music was created for this show, and sounds and pictures will be used to depict certain aspects of the natural disasters.
“When you present a art form such as dance, it?s not absolute in its meaning or message. Each person can take something different, something unique to their situation away with them,” said Frederick. “It is my hope that our performance will provide something that is beautiful to watch as well as something that educates the audience about the world around them. This company exists to educate as much as it entertains. We want to make a difference.”
The show will open with a performance by the Glenn Frederick Repertory Dance Theatre, and also will feature guest choreography from the American Academy of Dance of Hendersonville, the Village Cultural Arts Center?s Village Drum and Dance Ensemble, and Blue Moves Modern Dance Company of Murfreesboro. Members of both companies, as well as students from the American Academy of Dance, will perform alongside the Glenn Frederick Repertory Dance Theatre throughout the main production, Tsunami Echoes: Katrina Cries.
Tickets for Tsunami Echoes: Katrina Cries are $10 for children 13 and younger, $15 for students and $25 for the general public. Groups of 15 or more can all 615/715-5152 for a discount. All tickets are first come, first served general seating. Advance tickets are available at www.mollyguard.com and at the Village Cultural Arts Center, beginning April 1. A portion of the proceeds from the performances will be donated to disaster relief funds.