Off Center Dance: Dia De Los Muertos Performance
*Grant Recipient* OFF CENTER DANCE scheduled to perform from 6:45pm-7:15pm
Come join Off Center Dance for this FREE community event with an explosion of color and life-affirming joy, where revelers are invited to don makeup, enjoy live performances and film, participate in a processional parade, and view offerings to lost loved ones during this two-day event.
For the 2019 Día de los Muertos celebration, Off Center Dance will perform a modern dance piece based on the ritual of building of the alter, or ofrenda, a traditional way of celebrating our deceased loved ones. As the dancers build the altar to honor their ancestors the audience will be mesmerized by the beautifully hand painted sugar skull masks worn by the dancers. Following the opening number, dancers will perform a series of 5 pieces each deeply researched and innovatively choreographed by Kelli Brown, that incorporates Mexican superstitions and folklore such as the dreaded La Llorona. The music incorporates traditional and contemporary Mexican songs.
Día de Muertos is the most important tradition for Mexico and Central America (Mesoamerica) that worships death through life. November 1st is the day that commemorates all the Saints, (Todos los Santos), meaning that is dedicated to the kids or babies who are gone. November 2nd is for the Faithful Departed (Fieles Difuntos), dedicated to adults. Off Center Dance joins JUMP, the Idaho State Museum, and the Hispanic community by coming together to celebrate this annual festival that demonstrates love and respect for our passed loved ones.