A&M International Holds Free Fall Dance Concert Fri., Nov. 19
A spectacular program showcasing some of the city's top dancers will be held at Texas A&M International University Friday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. at the University's Kinesiology/Convocation Building.
The University's 1999 Fall Dance Concert will feature the A&M International Dance Performance and Flamenco Troupes, the A&M International Ballet Folklórico, pianist Fritz Gechter, assistant professor of music at A&M International, plus guest performers the Vidal M. Treviño Magnet School Dancers.
Admission is free and the community is cordially invited to attend.
The Dance Concert's eclectic program will include a diverse repertoire, with flamenco, folklórico, jazz, and modern dances choreographed to music by Tchaikovsky, The Art of Noise, Cole Porter, the Gipsy Kings, and others.
A&M International Dance Performance and Flamenco Troupe dancers, directed by Bede Leyendecker, include Selina Alford, Gladys Cardenas, Naila Castellanos, Lizeth Colina, Rosie Escobedo, Claudia Espinoza, Claudia Garza, Sylvia Garza, Veronica Garza, Janie Gonzalez, Patricia Gutierrez, Mikie Hayhurst, Claudia Hernandez, Paulina Hinojosa, Monica Holguin, Oscar Hurtado, Andrea Lopez, Mary Joe Lopez, Patricia Lucio, Veronica Lugo, David Mancilla, Brenda Martinez, Karina Mendoza, Jessica Ramon, Lindsey Rendon, Laura Rodriguez, Erinn Taylor, Athena Valdez, Brissa Vela, and Aurora Villarreal.
A&M International Ballet Folklórico dancers, directed by Gabriela Mendoza, include Alejandra Acosta, Sabrina Arnould, Jaime Ayala, Omar Carrizales, Imelda Chapa, Erika Ezpinoza, Paula Flores, Emile Fontes, Maria Garcia, Eduardo Gonzalez, Julio Cesar Gonzalez, Alexander Hernandez, Iliana Hinojosa, David Jones, Cynthia Ramirez, Laura Rodriguez, Neetash Sharma, Erinn Taylor, and Jessica Zamora.
Vidal M. Treviño Magnet School Dancers, directed by Cheryl Kirkpatrick, include Sandra Aguilar, Elizabeth Garcia, Lizette Garcia, Erika Gutierrez, Jessica Melendez, Sonia Prado, Brenda Rodriguez, Lorena Rodriguez, Jackie Reyes, Alicia Rios, Christine Saucedo, Kristy Valdez, Anie Vera and Isabel Zamarripa.
Mistress of Ceremonies will be dance legend Altagracia Azios-Garcia, recipient of the University's 1999 Terpsichorean Award.
The Dance Concert is under the artistic direction of Bede Leyendecker, assistant professor of dance at A&M International.
The Fall Dance Concert is one of several fine and performing arts events that showcase A&M International's growth in the arts arena in preparation for Phase III construction of the University's multimillion dollar Fine and Performing Arts Center.
The A&M International Dance Performance and Flamenco Troupes will next perform at the Laredo Little Theatre for "An Evening with Ottmar Liebert and The Gipsy Kings" Jan. 20, 21, 22 , at 8 p.m. and Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. Admission will be $ 10 per person. The event is a fundraiser held to send the dancers to Louisiana for the American College Dance Festival and for student scholarships.
The Spring Dance Concert featuring "Cri-Cri - El Grillito Cantor" is scheduled for April 14 at 7 p.m. in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.
For further information, please contact Leyendecker at 326-2640. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu