Luna Negra Dance Theater

	Eduardo Vilaro	CUGAT! (2007) In this fast-pace, high energy work, artistic director Eduardo Vilaro has created a whimsical and startling tribute to Xavier Cugat, the King of Mambo and one of the greatest Latin musicians of all time. "A surefire hit, a thrill ride through Latin dance and a high-octane tribute to bandleader Xavier Cugat." - Sid Smith, Chicago Tribune Mi Corazón Negro (2006) Applauded by the Chicago Sun-Times as a "Latin version of 'Revelations'," this work by artistic director Eduardo Vilaro is a mesmerizing journey into the multi-racial cultural heart of Latin America, set to Afro-Peruvian songs by legendary singer Susana Baca. Quinceañera (2005) Created in collaboration with visual artist Luis De La Torre, this exhilarating piece is a celebration of the Latino tradition of "coming of age." Vilaro takes an introspective look at this definitive moment that takes a girl from childhood to womanhood and explores the inner transformation that happens, through dance and movement set to a wonderfully diverse range of music from the traditional bolero to a contemporary score by Mexican composer Ana Lara. Don Quixote Dances (2005) A dreamlike reflection on love, impermanence and death, set to songs by Maurice Ravel, Jacques Ibert and Mexican composer Ana Lara. "Don Quixote Dances" was commissioned for Ravinia Festival’s 2005 season to celebrate the 400^th anniversary of the publication of Cervantes' "Don Quixote" as part of “One Score, One Chicago." Amor y Dolor (1999) "Framed by Roxanne Ramos' gracious poem, this meditation for four female dancers deconstructs the inherent anguish of Latin dance while extending it to a transcendent theatrical plane." - Lucia Mauro - Chicago Tribune
	Photos by Kristie Kahns
	Alejandro Cervera	Tango Vitrola (1987) In Tango Vitrola, Alejandro Cervera conjures a metaphysical space that highlights the struggle between men and women through simple, yet poetic patterns. Says Cervera: "My inspiration for Tango Vitrola came from memories of people dancing, tables, chairs, and old sound. It is not easy for me to speak about my own work, but as I think about Tango Vitrola a few words come to mind: desire, sensuality, sexuality, rejection, and passion." "A genuine sizzler...set to scratchy 1920's era tango recordings, Cervera's piece plays on all the basic conceits of tango and whips them into a series of wonderfully imaginative variations." - Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
	Photo by Audia
	Ron DeJesus	The Last 12 Minutes (2004) A deep and intense piece that imagines the choices we make and the emotions we experience to get to acceptance and release in both life and death. "The Last 12 Minutes" was created through a co-commission by the Dance Chicago 2004 Choreography Project, sponsored by the Chicago Community Trust’s Dance Initiative and Luna Negra Dance Theater. It was premiered at Dance Chicago, 2004.
	Photo by William Frederking
	Maray Gutierrez	Eterno Despertar (2006) In this beautifully haunting work, Maray Gutierrez reveals the longing one has for the distant shore of home and expresses with emotion the ambivalence and complexity of feelings that separation creates. “A hypnotic work for four dancers that bursts with passion, mystery and heat.” - Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
	Photo by Kristie Kahns
	Michelle Manzanales Photo by Audia	Sugar in the Raw (Azucar Cruda) (2007) In this stunning work, Manzanales explores the complexities and subtleties of identity, creating a moving portrait of the beautiful imperfections of humanity. "An exceptionally sophisticated, emotionally powerful piece." Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

	Vicente Nebrada	Batucada Fantastica (1977) The late Venezuelan choreographer, Vicente Nebrada’s homage to Brazilian Carnival, is "a rollicking, stunningly danced series of eight solos that culminate in a riot of ensemble dancing, all set to the irresistible sound of steel drums, whistles and other traditional Brazilian instruments." Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

	Gustavo Ramirez Sansano	Luna de Miel (The Honeymoon) (2003) Luna de Miel is a cheeky and playful look at Hispanic culture and love, using with humor the format of the Telenovela (Latino soap opera) . Flabbergast (2002) Latin lounge meets spontaneous combustion in this quirky yet joyful piece set to the music of Juan Garcia Esquivel.

	Pedro Ruiz	Sonetos de Amor (Love Sonnets) (2005) Sonetos de Amor is a journey through Latin American cultures, as experienced by Pedro Ruiz in his travels. Through the rhythmic schemes and structures inherent to Latin American music, the piece brings to life passion and romance within each sonnet. Enamorados (The Lovers) (2006) This striking and imaginative duet, set to Portuguese Fado music, explores the complexity of a relationship through intricate partnering and sensual movements. Bessie Award-winning Ruiz’s choreography was hailed by the New York Times as “sophisticated and endlessly inventive.”
	Photo by Kristie Kahns
	Nancy Turano	Carmen Act 1 (1999) This psychologically profound version of the famous Spanish gypsy imagines three different faces of Carmen with smoldering intensity and technical virtuosity. This piece is set to Bizet's score and new music by Roland Marconi.

	Joel Valentin-Martinez	Tlatelolco Revisited (2008) This hauntingly beautiful and dramatic work captures the essence of the events that took place in the plaza of Tlatelolco, ten days before the start of the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. Valentin-Martinez reflects on social issues and how they have impacted his personal life and his family decision to immigrate to the United States.
	Photo by Kristie Kahns
	Septime Webre	piel canela/cinnamon skin (2005) Light-hearted, warm and nostalgic, this work by Washington Ballet's artistic director Septime Webre celebrates memories of youth and love. Set to bolero songs from the 1950's, it will take you back to a different age and time.
	Photo by Kristie Kahns
	Edgar Zendejas	Plight (2008) Inspired by the ancient cultures of Mexico, Plight expresses the feelings of mystery, beauty and even cruelty they evoke. On another level, this work explores deeper human experiences. Zendejas reflects on how adversity can turn into opportunity; we just need to catch the right moment.
	Photo by Cheryl Mann