A&M International Presents Benefit Dance Concert Feb. 3

Texas A&M International University will present "Encanto Español," a benefit performance of Spanish dance, on Saturday, February 3 at 8 p.m. in the Laredo Civic Center Auditorium.

Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased at the door. Proceeds will benefit the University's Dance program.

Featured performers will be A&M International's Classical Spanish Ballet Troupe, the Vidal M. Treviño Magnet School dancers, dance groups from Kristi-lin's Academy and the Diana Rendon Dance Academy, and the Rogelio Rodriguez Dance Company.

Concert director Bede Leyendecker, assistant professor of dance at A&M International, said the concert is a must-see event that should not be missed.

"The concert will be a two-hour spectacular that will delight audiences. The program will feature a range of flamenco styles, from classical to more modern interpretations of the traditional dance form. It will be a wonderful program. The highlight will be a breathtaking selection of dances performed by the Rogelio Rodriguez Dance Company, a professional dance company based in Houston," noted Leyendecker.

The renowned Rogelio Rodriguez Dance Company, directed by Laredo native Rogelio Rodriguez, will present a 40-minute program that includes the selections "Alabina," "Guajira," "Sevillanas," "Farruca," "Tombola," "La Boda de Luis Alonzo," and "Gitanos de Barcelona."

The Company's dancers include Miguel Gonzalez, Melba Heredia, Marisol Lopez, Nureldin Mazlum, Benjamin Santillan, Susan Silas, Teresa Velez, and Laredo natives Rogelio Rodriguez, Magda Ruiz, Jose Angel Villarreal, and Angie Wendeborn.

For more information, contact Leyendecker at 326-2625. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - 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