It’s the hottest dance form to come out of Tel Aviv in ages. Gaga, a “dance vocabulary” that involves a hyper-awareness of form and self-inspired movement, is the liquid-limbed brainchild of Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin. You could Venn-diagram it somewhere between dance, exercise and spiritual practice: “We enjoy the burning sensation in our muscles, we are ready to snap, we are aware of our explosive power, and sometimes we use it … we can be calm and alert at once," Naharin has explained. If that’s not enough to entice you, hear these words from a New York Times dance critic after attending her first Gaga workshop: “I’m pretty sure yoga is now dead to me.”So don’t miss your chance Burqueños. This week guest artist Amy Morrow leads a series of Gaga workshops at Keshet Center for the Arts (4121 Cutler NE). Experienced dancers are invited to attend Monday, Aug. 25, through Thursday, Aug. 28, 11am-2pm at $15/drop-in or $50 for all four days. Newbies can experiment at a beginners’ workshop Saturday, Aug. 30, 1:30-2:30pm ($10). (Register at keshetdance.org).For a deeper glimpse into the mod, rubbery world of Gaga, check out the free (donations accepted) advanced partial screening of Mr. Gaga featuring Naharin and his Batsheva Dance Company, Saturday, Aug. 30, at 3pm. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Morrow. (Gail Guengerich)
Stage Whispers Cha-Cha, Darlings!
Don’t miss Casa Flamenca’s Salsa Por Derecho at 10pm on Saturday.
photo courtesy of Casa Flamenca
Just as summer cools off, Albuquerque fires up for the 5th Latin Dance Festival. Dip your toe into the sounds and moves on Thursday, Aug. 21, at an outdoor kick-off party from 7 to 10pm at the Hotel Albuquerque (800 Rio Grande NW). Dancing continues in QBar until 1:30am, but don’t stay too late, because a full weekend of dance begins 10am Friday at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (1701 Fourth Street SW). All-ages dance parties, films, lectures and workshops continue throughout the weekend. No partners required, and kids get their own sections. All-access passes $159; visit abqlatinfest.com for complete details.If you only make one festival event, make it the big party from 6:30pm to midnight on the NHCC Plaza Mayor Saturday, Aug. 23. Toby Love’s irresistible bachata and the undeniable groove of NM’s own Son Como Son will fill your pants with ants, while 20 dance performances by national and international groups keep the energy high all night. Local Latin dance fanatics will want to keep an eye out for the Duke City Saleros, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and Casa Flamenca, who bring Salsa Por Derecho to the festival after their intimate Tablao performance (see Events listing). Tickets $37 advance, $40 on Saturday. (Holly von Winckel)
