One of the main forms of artistic expression, dance enchants through its movements and its reshaping of the body. In Mato Grosso do Sul, this art form has great standout artists, yet it is still little appreciated by people. To honor these artists and show the strength of dance in the State, on May 13 and 14 the United Dance showcase will take place at Teatro Glauce Rocha, starting at 7:30 pm. Admission for both days will be free.
This project was conceived by dancers and cultural producers Rafael Fornazare and Márcio Elias and was selected by the FIC (Fundo de Investimentos Culturais / Cultural Investment Fund), promoted by the FCMS (Fundação de Cultura de Mato Grosso do Sul / Mato Grosso do Sul Culture Foundation), through the Setescc (Secretaria de Estado de Turismo, Esporte, Cultura e Cidadania / State Secretariat of Tourism, Sports, Culture and Citizenship) of the State Government.
The showcase will feature four major dance groups from MS: Cia de Dança do Pantanal and Cia Dançurbana, on May 13, and Cia Selma Azambuja and Sôma Cia de Dança, on May 14. The companies present different dance styles, and this diversity allows the audience to enjoy a variety of performances, each with its own story and message.
“We chose the groups based on reputation and relevance. We did a study of the oldest companies and the ones most prominent in the State’s dance scene and arrived at these four. This showcase is meant for that, to honor the dancers and also bring together those who work with dance in Mato Grosso do Sul,” says Rafael.
Exchanging experiences and knowledge
In addition, United Dance will be a unique opportunity for dancers to exchange experiences and knowledge among themselves. “MS has great potential in dance, but there’s still a lack of support and this kind of exchange between groups; getting dancers to interact, try new techniques in their bodies is very interesting so that there’s interaction, and that way professionals diversify, become more versatile and learn other techniques,” explains Márcio, the other project creator.
The stage hosting the showcase is one of Mato Grosso do Sul’s main theaters, the Glauce Rocha, and it promises to draw a large audience of all ages. It will be an opportunity for people to be moved and inspired by the performances, as well as to value local culture and the art of dance.
The event will also be a chance for the dance groups to show their work to a larger audience. This visibility is important for the dancers’ career development and for spreading the art of dance in general. “This is very important for the sake of art reaching new places, since the goal of every artist is to bring their art to the public. Each show has the message the company wants to convey, so having this platform is essential. Art has this place of being for everyone, so we want to bring it to as many people as possible,” concludes Rafael.
Groups are excited for the performance
Members of the groups taking part in the showcase believe events like United Dance are extremely important so they can show their work. “The invitation to the showcase was an honor for us; these are four professional companies from the State, and being among them is very gratifying. Dance events are important for leveling up dancers, groups and companies, in addition to being a very important point for dance professionals,” notes dancer and rehearsal director of Cia Selma Azambuja, Ana Lúcia El Daher.
Contemporary dance dancer and teacher Wellington Julio, of the Cia de Dança do Pantanal, stresses that it’s always very good to perform in the State. “It has a special taste for us, we need more events like this, because it puts us in the spotlight and so we gain more qualification and are valued. I’m sure the days of performances will be a success.”
Supporting the event are the companies D’arte Produções, Bolt Realizações, Neo Esporte, Audi, Sesc, Casa Designer, Padoca do Enaldo and Autocred.
Info – The performances take place on May 13 and 14, starting at 7:30 pm, at Teatro Glauce Rocha, located on the campus of UFMS (Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul / Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul), in Campo Grande. Tickets are free, but must be picked up starting at 6 pm. More information on Instagram @uniteddancebrasil.
