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BALAM Dance Theatre to Present

‘Baroque Dance Fantasies from England, France and Spain!’

at

Gotham Early Music Scene's Midtown Concerts

(New York, New York; May 13, 2025) -- BALAM Dance Theatre will present ‘Baroque Dance Fantasies from England, France and Spain!’ at the esteemed Gotham Early Music Scene’s Midtown Concerts on Thursday, June 5 from 1:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST at St. Malachy's-The Actors’ Chapel, located at 239 West 49th Street, New York, New York. This imaginative program will be presented both live and virtually by Midtown Concerts, a project of Gotham Early Music Scene.

The event is open to the public, and admission is FREE. For people unable to attend the live performance, the program can also be viewed worldwide online on June 5.

BALAM, a New York City-based professional, non-profit dance company, is renowned for its well-researched and imaginative cross-cultural work. Rooted in the opulent and enthralling aesthetics of Balinese theatre, the company presents a contemporary vision of cultural dance by blending ballet, modern dance, and diverse cultural styles from various historic periods.

Themes of Love, Nature, Play and Ritual Explored

The enchanting program explores themes of love, nature, play, and ritual through the exquisite music of Baroque masters Henry Purcell, Jean Baptiste Lully, Francois Couperin, Jean Philippe Rameau, and Antonio Vivaldi. A cast of nine performers will be spotlighted. Guest musicians -- Lisa Terry (violoncello), Dongmyung Ahn (violin), Theresa Salomon (violin), Andrea Andros (viola), Gabe Shuford (harpsichord), and Ryan Closs (Baroque guitar)—will perform the gorgeous music of the master composers. BALAM’s dancers – Robin Gilbert, Yumiko Niimi, and Carlos Fittante — will perform in splendid period costumes and striking masks enhanced by the lively sound of castanets. Together, they will inspire a delightful, imaginative ambiance from the Baroque period in England, France, and Spain.

“This exquisite program features captivating Baroque choreography, sumptuous live music, and dazzling masks and costumes. The performance blends historical elegance and charm. Creative surprises include the integration of a Balinese butterfly kite, finger cymbals, and castanets! The public will not want to miss this mesmerizing experience,” said Carlos Fittante, artistic director and president of BALAM Dance Theatre.

About BALAM Dance Theatre

Founded in 1979 by choreographer and movement researcher, Islene Pinder, BALAM Dance Theatre offers a new vision of contemporary dance rooted in the dazzling opulence and magical aura of Balinese theatre. 

The New York City-based dance/theatre company creates a unique entertainment experience that has universal appeal. Audiences of all ages and backgrounds enjoy BALAM’s innovative movement alchemy where dynamic athleticism, detailed skills, and movement techniques from around world and time periods are fused and enhanced by eclectic music, striking masks, vibrant costumes and fantasy stories.

The company educates the community about dances and cultures featured in its repertoire. Through its Out & About Series, free and affordable performances, workshops and creative events at the grassroots level are made available for families, children, students and community residents.  

BALAM Dance Theatre has been featured at numerous festivals and venues, including First Night New York, Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and Downtown Dance Festival. The company has also performed throughout the United States and internationally. BALAM has received praise from the New York Times and Village Voice, the Governor and people of Bali and the Indonesian Consulate of New York, as well as others. 

For further information, call 646-361-9183 or visit BALAM Dance Theatre on its blog. Follow the company on Facebook and check for updates on Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) @BALAMDance and LinkedIn.

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