TAMIU Spanish Classical Ballet to Perform in Fort Worth

Texas A&M International University’s Classical Spanish Ballet has been selected to perform at the American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Conference in Fort Worth this April.  

The Southern District/National Dance Association Kaleidoscope concert will take place on Thursday, April 10.

TAMIU students will close the show with a performance of “El Baile de Luís Alonzo,” choreographed by former Laredoan Rogelio Rodríguez as an advanced classical Spanish dance with castanets, and based on music by Geronimo Giménez.  

TAMIU Spanish Ballet director and chair of the department of fine and performing arts Bede Leyendecker said the group was selected for the performance from among dance companies and schools from around the world.

“The dancers were selected by a panel of national dance specialists to participate in this concert from a pool of dance companies and schools that span the globe. We are much honored and looking forward to this remarkable opportunity,” Leyendecker said.  

The students will also perform a “Dance On The Spot” which will feature five additional pieces from the group’s repertoire.  

Dancers scheduled to perform include  Natalia Arandia, Griselda Dozal, Samantha Garza, Janie Lara, Dianelle Martínez, Selina Martínez, Lisa Muñoz, Corina Ojeda, Dalhi Peña, Judith Ramón-Peña and Laura Sánchez.

After the Fort Worth performance, the Ensemble will travel to Houston to perform in the Rogelio Rodríguez Professional Concert at the University of Houston’s Cullen Auditorium on Saturday, April 12.  

They will perform “La Vida Breve,” choreographed by Nana Lorca, former director of the Ballet Nacional de España and former wife of the late José Greco. They will also present “Andaluz,” a flamenco alegrias danced with a pericón (large Spanish fan) that Rodríguez choreographed for the group two years ago.   

The TAMIU Club Alma Gitana will be chartering a bus that will travel to Houston on April 12 to see the Rogelio Rodríguez Professional Concert performance.  

Cost of the trip (including the ticket to the show) will be $60.00.  Anyone interested in participating may contact Leyendecker at bleyendecker@tamiu.edu or by calling 956.326.2649.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu