DECAdance. The first show of Moving Current Dance Collective's 2006-07 season is a celebration and acknowledgment of the company's upcoming season, which marks 10 years' worth of successfully bringing modern dance to Bay area audiences while showcasing the talents of both local and national dancers and choreographers. This program features pieces by co-founders Erin Cardinal and Cynthia Hennessy as well as selections by guest choreographers that include Paula Kramer, founder and sometime director of Detroit Dance Collective, and current St. Pete resident; Andy and Dionne Noble, Washington dance instructors and USF Dance alumni; and University of Washington dance professor Jennifer Salk. Sept. 15-16, USF College of Visual and Performing Arts Theater I, Tampa, 813-237-0216.
American Gypsies. Classical guitarist/composer Nathan Herrera and professional dancer Sandra Serrano were both artists who were keenly interested in flamenco. Together, they co-founded Flamencos Unidos Productions, an ensemble of U.S.-based musicians and dancers who combine a passion for flamenco with their individual Spanish, Brazilian, Cayman, Cuban and Japanese cultural influences. American Gypsies is the ensemble's first touring production. Sept. 30, Ferguson Hall-Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa, 813-229-7827.
Fusion. VSA Arts of Florida, a nonprofit arts organization serving people with disabilities, celebrates its 25th anniversary with two revue performances by the mixed-mobility Asher Dance Eclectic. Set amongst a weekend of activities aimed at blurring the lines between those with and without disabilities, the Fusion program explores the idea of merging diverse, distinct and/or separate elements to create a unified whole. Oct. 6-7, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, 727-791-7400.
So You Think You Can Dance. Similar to its American Idol predecessor, this talent search/reality show stretches out the popularity of its second season with this post-finale tour, bringing the top finalists to the Bay area for a multimedia dance spectacular. Yes, it's unabashedly commercial, but sometimes you have to surrender to the demands of guilty pleasure. Oct. 15, Carol Morsani Hall-TBPAC, Tampa, 813-229-7827.
Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company. Formed in 1957 by Helena Z. Benitez (the former chairperson of Philippine Women's University), Bayanihan is the oldest dance company in the Philippines and its dancers are celebrated for their grace and flawless movements as they interpret folk dances from all over the Philippines as well as various folk dances from other countries. Nov. 24, Ferguson Hall-TBPAC, Tampa, 813-229-7827.
Paul Taylor Dance Company. In more than a half-century, this modern dance company has performed its esteemed founder/director's work in 60 countries and more than 450 cities. Taylor's imaginative, accessible choreography has been called anything from exuberant to sublime, his rare sense of beauty and ability to bring out the essence of music considered to be, by some, beyond compare. Jan. 25, 2007, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, 727-791-7400.
Fall Arts 2006: Choose Me
- Intro
- choose me: tampa museum of art
- choose me: theater life
- choose me: the tampa review
- choose me: griz collective
- A Revolving Door
- choose me: the florida orchestra
- Keeping Tabs
What to Watch For
This article appears in Aug 16-22, 2006.

