JACKSON, Wyo. — From the sun-splashed beaches of Havana to the snow-capped peaks of Jackson Hole, one of Cuba’s most revered dance companies will join Dancers’ Workshop for a week of instruction, creation and celebration. Their time in residence at the local dance nonprofit will conclude with two performances in early May that promise to be nothing short of dazzling.
Since its establishment in 2012, Malpaso Dance Company has become one of the most globally-recognized and respected Cuban dance companies. The group’s identity and intensely-energetic creative process spring from the confluence of two important influences: the revered, lengthy history of traditional choreography and the rich authenticity springing from generations of movement and rhythm in the Afro-Caribbean world.
Touring with 11 dancers, and led by its original three founders — resident choreographer and Artistic Director Osnel Delgado, Executive Director Fernando Sáez, and dancer and co-founder Daileidys Carrazana — Malpaso emphasizes a collaborative creative process. The group has commissioned original works from a variety of prominent North American choreographers, including award-winning Canadian Aszure Barton, one of whose compelling works will be performed during their visit to Jackson Hole.
Malpaso originally visited Dancers’ Workshop in 2018, prior to the Coronavirus pandemic. The vision at the time was to collaboratively generate a performance choreographed by Aszure Barton — but the virus slammed on the brakes. The future of in-person development and performance became unclear. Honoring and supporting the massive effort that this incredible team had undertaken, Dancers’ Workshop stepped in and helped to sponsor a film of the performance “Bloom” in lieu of a live production. Because of this relationship — this mutual dedication and enthusiasm for collaborative creation — Malpaso was able to rise in defiance of the pandemic’s restrictions.
More than surviving, this dynamic and resourceful dance company truly thrived throughout the turbulence. Despite a series of unexpected bumps in the road — travel restrictions, shifts in the course of work, uncertainty around the globe — Malpaso, like the spark within Dancers’ Workshop, has endured. And now, what had morphed into the film will finally come full circle, taking back to the stage in the live-action form of “Stillness in Bloom.”
“It is very unique to feel the strong support of friends in times of trouble. When the winds are blowing in our favor, it’s very easy to get along and very easy to have a good time together. But real friendship is tested in critical circumstances. And this is the case,” says Fernando Sanchez, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Malpaso.
“This piece is strongly connected to the drama of the pandemic and the way human beings in general — dancers or artists in particular — were exposed to an extreme circumstance. It is an immense pleasure to come back for the third time to Jackson Hole, to be part of the family of Dancers’ Workshop,” he says. “It is always rewarding and amazing to come back to places that you love and to meet people you care about. There is a very deep sense of happiness coming back to your beautiful organization and to your beautiful city. Thank you so much for being part of our adventure and feel that in the Malpaso Dance Company, you have an extended family.”
“When the pandemic hit, we all felt a sense of disappointment. We had been working on something truly inspiring, special, and cross-cultural with the amazing Malpaso and the constellation of international choreographers with whom they’d been collaborating,” says Babs Case, Artistic Director of Dancers’ Workshop. “If anything, it makes their return to Jackson Hole truly triumphant. We were so proud to support their ongoing work throughout these challenging times, and we’re so grateful that they’re being so generous with the time they’re giving us now. We all remained committed to making art happen, however was necessary, and ultimately we won. Inspiration and hope won.”
When the group touches down in Jackson Hole in the first week of May, they will leap into teaching classes and connecting with dancers of all ages in Jackson Hole during their week in residence at the local nonprofit. On the evenings of May 3 and 4, the company will teach an Adult Afro Cuban Dance Class from 6 -7:30 p.m. The class is open to all levels, and will be held in Studio 2 — the cost is $20 or one DW card punch. Sign up online here or call 307.733.6398
The Cuban technique of modern dance is a fusion of North American Modern Dance (including Sokolov, Graham, Limon, and Cunningham), European ballet, and traditional Afro Cuban dances and rhythms. The central teaching of the class is based around contraction and release technique, combined with spine undulation movements from Afro Cuban dance styles. The across the floor combinations encourage a focus on rhythm and musicality. The combination of influences (American, European, and Afro) manifest within Cuban dance provides the students a unique transcultural experience of movement.
On the evening of May 7 and the afternoon of May 8, Malpaso will perform a diversity of pieces from their internationally-inspired repertoire.
Jackson Hole-based choreographer Gina Patterson — noted for her “startling originality” by Backstage Magazine — will join CDW to present a new piece. Her extensive international experience and inimitable ability to weave creation and direction across disciplines have landed her in the repertoire of over 25 world-class companies and has lit up stages across the globe. CDW, an ensemble of professional dancers based at Dancers’ Workshop that inspires through the power of movement in modern dance, will be showcasing one of Patterson’s new creations at the same performances.
“We’re equally thrilled and honored that Malpaso will be a part of our 50th Anniversary season,” says Erin Roy, Executive Director of Dancers’ Workshop. “These performances are going to be a wonderful opportunity for community members of all ages to experience one of the world’s most enthralling and dynamic companies, as well as the incredible creative work that’s happening right here at home.”
Tickets for both performances are available online here. The performance on Saturday, May 7, will be at 7 p.m. The matinee, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 8, will be followed by an all-ages Salsa Cubana Dance Party at the Center for the Arts, which is included with the performance ticket. In addition to music and a food truck, the members of the internationally-celebrated Malpaso Dance Company will be offering intergenerational Salsa instruction — no previous experience necessary, but plenty of enthusiasm required! Tickets to the dance party (for those who did not attend the matinee) will be available at the door for $10 per individual or $25 per family (of any size).
