Andanza begins the celebration of its 25th anniversary with a new production

The Puerto Rican contemporary dance company Fortune begins the celebration of its 25th anniversary with a special production to be held from November 10 to 12 in the Rene Marques theater hall of the Santurce Fine Arts Center.

“25 years of adventure” is the title of this show that will have performances Friday and Saturday, at 8:00 pm, and Sunday, at 5:00 pm. This new production will honor and celebrate the uninterrupted work of this company, founded in November 1998 by Lolita Villanua, artistic and executive director, in collaboration with Maria Teresa Robles, director of its educational program.

During its history, Andanza has developed important sociocultural work, being permanent space of creation and work for numerous dancers, choreographers, musicians, teachers and other arts professionals. The project focuses on three main components: company, school and community. These three pillars are the driving force that drives Andanza, making it a unique dance company in Puerto Rico.

“Celebrating 25 years of Andanza fills us with pride and satisfaction. This project has been possible thanks to the committed work team that works every day at Andanza. Furthermore, we have been fortunate to have multiple collaborators in this first quarter of a century. Today we begin this celebration with deep gratitude to the entire community that has always supported us and that motivates us to continue growing and cultivating contemporary dance in the country,” said Lolita Villanua, artistic and executive director of Andanza, through a Press release.

To celebrate this anniversary in a big way, The company will present a production that includes premieres and repertoire pieces. The first act will include three new pieces with themes from our country. Choreographer Carlos Ivan Santos will create a piece inspired by boleros with live music by Marili “Maricucha” Pizarro and her combo. Jaime Maldonado’s proposal about today’s Puerto Rico will have music commissioned by Gabriel Rivera, who will perform it on stage alongside Damian Castillo Basora. The costumes will be designed by WMurphy. Between both pieces, the Andanza Youth Workshop will carry out a piece created by Eloy Ortiz, its director and choreographer. Alexander Ramirez Rivera will perform live the music that he will compose for the choreography.

The second act will include the work “Tempus Fugit”, an existential reflection on life and the passage of time, by the Brazilian choreographer based in Switzerland, Antonio Gomes. The piece is inspired by the Concerto Grosso No. 1 by composer Alfred Schnittke and features a monumental scenography conceptualized by the choreographer together with Jorge Ramirez.

“This show is very important for us because it reflects the spirit of our artistic project, always creating original choreographic and musical pieces. Each piece has been made thinking about the trajectory and journey of our own history. We hope that the public enjoys it and celebrates with us these 25 years of Andanza,” Villanua added.

The nine dancers of the Andanza company are Luisa Dominguez, Natalia Fajardo, Miriam Lopez, Cristina Lugo, Jaime Maldonado, Karlo Martinez, Adriana Morales, Alberto Rivera and Nathanael Santiago. Lighting designer Luis Felipe Rivera will be in charge of lighting.

Tickets to attend are on sale at the Fine Arts Center box office and at the Ticket Center.