PROMISES, PROMISES's Matthew Steffens Will Star in R.Evolución Latina's BOUNTIFUL: A TEACHER'S JOURNEY

Matthew Steffens is one of the nine uniquely brilliant choreographers of BOUNTIFUL: A Teacher's Journey, R.Evolución Latina's 2016 Choreographers Festival. He has served as the associate choreographer for the Broadway production of Doctor Zhivago and of the Off-Broadway immersive hit Queen of the Night. Matthew has performed on Broadway in Promises, Promises and Women on the Verge of A Nervous Breakdown and now he is starring in R.Evolución Latina's (RL) new production.

"Sharing this experience with such a wonderful community is a once in a life time opportunity. There has been so much growth in the process and I've been able to experience it from every possible angle, as a teacher, as an associate to Luis Salgado, as a choreographer and I am honored I have been selected by the creative team to take on the role of 'Santiago' in R.Evolución Latina's 2016 Choreographers Festival" said Matthew who has also toured in West Side Story, CONTACT, and Beauty & the Beast. "Beyond it all it is a gift to dedicate this performance to the memory of our friend and 2011 Choreographers Festival cast member Elizabeth Maria Walsh"

"Matt has been a great supporter of our organization and became an outstanding leader this summer when he ran the artistic direction of our D2GB Children's Camp" said Heather Hogan co-artistic director of the organization. The Choreographers Festival is an international dance performance that will take choreographer, dancer and audience member on a choreographic journey of self-discovery through telling the story of Santiago, a school teacher in need of answers. Through this journey he finds the awareness of what makes the human spirit BOUNTIFUL. This is the second time R.Evolución Latina has produced the Choreographers Festival in New York City under the artistic direction of Luis Salgado.

"Bountiful was conceived by Luis, who is currently performing in On Your Feet, and the script was inspired by conversations with all nine choreographers. The idea was first developed five years ago as R.Evolución Latina's first dance production. It opened the door for many artists and created an incredible cultural exchange. The work this organization does is beyond words and now I hope the audience feels the passion of these artists that live in this city, the dreams of those who have come to be a part of it all and the amazing hearts, desires and dreams we all share." Matthew concluded.

The Choreographers Festival includes, Amanda Turner, Daniel Fetecua-Soto, Gabriela García, Matthew Steffens, Rebeca Tomás, Rickey Tripp, Valeria Cossu, and Luis Salgado. Coming from D1-Dance Company the show will also integrate choreographers Vania Masias and Michael Grijalva. There will also be a special participation by Proyecto Milagros created by Harold Echevarria, a previous student of both D1 and RL.

The NYC dancers who were selected from RL's adult educational program and auditions include Aaron Heaps, Adam Bourque, Alana S. Thomas, Arielle Rosales, Avery Sobczak, Beverly Lopez, Cristal Lopez, Eduardo Uribe, Engels Santana, Harold Tampoc, Jasmine Paige Taylor, Joelle Anderson, Lea Kalisch, Luz M. Iturbe, Maria Ximena Salgado, Olivia Dante' Jones, Simonne Hill, Carlos David Salazar, Jhon Freddy Leudo Sevillano, Lillian González Arce, Mariana Herrera, Martha Isabel Córdoba, and Ryan Leon Arenas.

D1-Dance brings seasoned Peruvian dancers Alejandra Valera, Andrea Noriega, Angel Lozada, Athens Zaldiva, Eder Huynca, Edy Revilla, Jesus Pinto Alvan, Jordy Castro, Kiara Katica, Michael Grijalva, Mariano Carhuamaca, Mia Noel, Pedro Ibañez, and Sandra Begue. The creative team rounds out with Lighting designer Joel Silver, Costume designer Amy Sutton, Sound designer Erik Skovgaard, Projection design by Manuel de la Portilla, percussionist Giancarlo de Trizio, and Stage Manager Amanda Kosack.

"We can't wait to share with our audience and more important with the children of our community who have always been so inspired by these kind of events. This year we have a few magical supporters who are allowing us to bring kids to the theatre and are helping some of our international artists, among these supporters are Latin Broadway artists Lin-Manuel Miranda and Sergio Trujillo" says Denisse Ambert, Executive director of the non profit, that an affiliate of Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS. " I remember when Lin-Manuel Miranda saw the opening night in 2011 and said "Had an amazing time at Luis Salgado's show last night: Those Peruvians are some break dancing motherf***ers! If you can go, GO." What better invitation than that!".

R.Evolución Latina's Choreographers Festival 2016: "Bountiful: A Teacher's Journey," runs from April 27 through May 1 at the Manhattan Movement + Arts Center 248 West 60th Street, NYC.

For Tickets visit: www.revolucionlatina.org

Photos by Jason River