They’re making their big apple debut.
The Dominican National Company of Contemporary Dance is going to perform their first ever New York performance at the Battery Dance Festival on Aug. 14 and 16. The group are the only Caribbean country making an appearance in the festival this year, and are set to perform two dance pieces showcasing their particular style of movement and other facets of Dominican culture, said the executive director of the company.
“When we dance, it’s in a very classic and special way and our dancers are amazing,” said Marianela Boan. “Our contemporary dance is expressive and has qualities that also to show that we don’t only dance merengue and bachata. We do a lot of things in our dancing.”
The group will perform both dance pieces — ‘Dispar y Yo’ and ‘Desaparezco’ — back to back on two separate days. The inspiration for the arrangements highlight internal and external battles that everyone deals with in age, said Boan.
“We talk a lot about daily life and ‘Dispar y Yo’ is about women coping with problems and ‘Desaparezco’ is named for how we fight,” she said. “It’s about people who disappear in life and have to survive and come back — it’s the very essence of the piece.”
She says the group is happy to dance debut the work in New York, particularly because it will be the first time in the city for many of the members and a big chance for them to showcase themselves internationally.
“We’re very excited to be apart of the festival and eager to share all of our dances and see the many places that we can go as a company,” said Boan.
The Battery Dance Festival was created in the early 80s providing New Yorkers a chance to see a free dance festivals from various countries around the world to show off their cultural styles in dancing. This year’s festival also features local dance companies and some from Botswana, Sri Lanka, Belgium, and Spain.
Dominican National Company of Contemporary Dance at Battery Dance Festival in Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park [20 Battery Pl. in Battery Park City]. Aug. 14 and 16, 7–9 pm. Festival runs through Aug. 13–18. Free.
