SMC’s Global Motion World Dance Company to Perform May 17-18 at The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage

SMC’s Global Motion World Dance Company to Perform May 17-18 at The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage

Performance Features a Work by Guest Choreographer Peter de Guzman

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica College (SMC) Global Motion World Dance Company is proud to present its spring 2025 performance of dances from around the world. Performances are on Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. in The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica.

SMC students will present the diverse beauty of cultures, showcasing traditional and contemporary World Dance styles — including West African, Flamenco, Ballet, Asian, Hawaiian, Mexican Folklórico, Salsa, and more.

The performance includes a work by Filipino American dancer, choreographer, and dance ethnologist Peter de Guzman, who dedicates his research and practice to the Pangalay dance from the southern Philippines. De Guzman is responsible for disseminating the Amilbangsa Instruction Method of Pangalay in America. His choreographies represent the modern-day Filipino American experience, while connecting the community to the ancient dance practices of the Philippines.

Advance tickets are $20 for general admission (a modest service charge applies) and may be purchased online at smc.edu/tickets (opens in new window) or by calling 310-434-3005 (Monday-Friday; limited hours). Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the performance for $23 (a modest service charge applies) at The Broad Stage Box Office at the SMC Performing Arts Center. Free parking on premises. Seating is strictly on a first-arrival basis.

Global Motion World Dance Company was founded over 50 years ago by Judith Douglas, former chair of the SMC Dance Department, to bring knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the diverse beauty of dance throughout the world, and to give SMC students the essential experience of working with choreographers and performing as a professional company, on a professional stage.

The SMC Dance Department uses The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage — including the stage and lighting crew and support staff — for performances. Costumes are handmade each season by professional costumer Patricia Oliva.

Global Motion is under the artistic direction of Raquel Ramirez and Sri Susilowati. Ramirez is a dance professor at SMC and the founder and director of a folklórico performance group dedicated to supporting the traditions and cultures of Mexico. Susilowati, originally from Indonesia, creates and performs traditional and contemporary works that focus on community, gender, and ethnicity.

Faculty choreographers are Laura Canellias (Salsa), Keali’i Ceballos (Jive), Angela Jordan (West African), and Christopher Scott (Tap). Guest choreographers are Peter de Guzman (Philippines dance), Abagail Fritz (Afrobeats), and Sandra Martinez Hernandez (Oaxaca). SMC dance students audition to choreograph pieces for Global Motion. This spring’s student choreographers are Aidan Rex Cook (Greek Folklore), Simon Lathrop (Musical Theater), and Mayu Oishi (Contemporary Ballet).

SMC’s Global Motion World Dance Company has toured extensively and performed at schools, festivals, and special events throughout California and Mexico for more than 40 years, and has also performed in Beijing, China; Bracciano, Italy; Santiago, Chile; Lloret de Mar, Spain; and Paris, France.

More information is available at smc.edu/dance (opens in new window) or by calling 310-434-8763. All performances subject to change or cancellation without notice.

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