Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

SA Dance Umbrella brings people together over fine art

SA+Dance+Umbrella+brings+people+together+over+fine+art

The San Antonio Dance Umbrella held their second installation of the Moving Arts Project on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Ella Austin Community Center. The Moving Arts Project is held on the last Friday of every month and showcases the works of choreographers and dancers.

SA Dance Umbrella was founded in 1992 to help keep the spirit of dance alive in the community. The company aims to keep dance arts thriving in the city and keep people involved in the art whether it’s through performing, orchestrating or observing.

Apart from the Moving Arts Project, SA Dance Umbrella’s programs include Improv Jam which is held every last Sunday of the month; Seniors Dance is held weekly for senior citizens; Dance in the Park, which is held every first Friday at Hemisfair Park; San Antonio Dances is a professional performance that will be held on June 24; and Workshop Series includes professional training and development for dancers.

This second installation of the Moving Arts Project held three contemporary pieces. Emma Vicana, a high school student, performed a piece her older sister choreographed for her school’s dance competitions. Vicana has placed high in her past two competitions and her sister plans to lengthen the piece after the season is finished.

The second performance was by the Northwest Vista Community College Repertory Dance Ensemble choreographed by NVC student choreographer Brandon Reynosa. Reynosa plans to make the piece ten minutes long and the group will perform at Vista Dances on May 13.

Finally, the third piece was choreographed and performed by the artist-in-residence Felicia McBride along with three other dancers. McBride performed a solo at the first Moving Arts Project in Jan. and plans to perform a new installation of her piece at each showcase. She will eventually perform all of her pieces at the San Antonio Dances in June.

During the Moving Arts Project, the audience was asked to give feedback during a Q&A session at the end of the performances. Choreographers are always looking to develop their art in creating dances and the Q&A session helps see where they can improve work—while also receiving compliments and positive feedback. During the Q&A, the audience was engaged and helped the choreographers see what they enjoyed and what they should add into their pieces. Feedback is welcome at these events and attendees do not need prior dance experience to participate in the Q&A.

The next Moving Arts Project is free for everyone and will be held on Mar. 31 at the Ella Austin Community Center. If you would like to volunteer, intern or donate to the SA Dance Umbrella, visit sadu.org or call (210) 212-6600.

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