The Broad Stage Hosts Pacífico Dance Company

The Broad Stage presents Pacífico Dance Company onSaturday, October 20 at 11:00 am with a family program titled Mexico, de Tierra d Mar. Dedicated to the performance and preservation of traditional Mexican dance, the company's joyous performances incorporate Mexican folklore and religion. All family programs at The Broad Stage feature pre-show activities, one hour before curtain.

Since it's founding in 1992, the Los Angeles-based Pacífico has been thrilling audiences with its unique blend of modern and traditional dance. Under the guidance of Adriana Astorga-Gainey, general and artistic director, the company has evolved and created its own unique style, costume designs, music and choreography.

With some 40 dancers and musicians, it prides itself on educating culturally diverse communities, as well as providing Hispanic audiences with a forum for developing pride in their own heritage. Pacífico has performed for audiences throughout the United States and Asia including California, New Mexico, Washington DC, North Korea, and China.

Artistic Director Adriana Astorga-Gaieney said, "We seek to instill pride of heritage and promote cultural understanding among the diverse communities of Southern California."

Astorga-Gaieney, a native born Californian, began her dance training at a young age. Her introduction to Mexican folklore was at the Escuela del Ballet Folklorico, under the direction of Amalia Hernandez. She also trained at la Escuela de Danza, Mizoc and with the legendary Rafael Zamarripa Casteneda.

She studied classical ballet with master dance instructors Don Hewitt and Joanna DIgiovanna. Throughout her dance career, Ms. Gainey had the privilege of working with Don Bondi, former lead dancer of the Gloria Newman Dance Theater, Davinci Burks, former Alvin Ailey soloist, modern dance master, Rudy Perez, and most recently modern dance teacher/choreographer Karen McDonald and ballet master Stephan Wenta.

Ms. Gainey is also the proud recipient of the 2003 and 2005 California dance maker grant and has been awarded certificates of recognition from both the city of Los Angeles and the Mexican Cultural Institute for her immense contributions to the folkloric dance form and the Mexican American community.

Tickets priced at $5 are on sale at www.thebroadstage.org or by calling 310-434-3200.

Dancers
Pablo Julian Alvarez, Raquel Aragon, Ernesto Candelario, Anahi Diaz, Carlos Escamilla, Jessica Escobedo, Riki Esquer, Alberto Flores, Anahi Galvez, Esmeralda Magana, Kristine Meza, Lorena Meza, Raul Mora, Ariana Ortega, Marie Núñez, Amanda Ponce, Jose Rivera, Daniel Rodriguez, Manuel Soriano, Patricia Trinidad, Jose Velez, Chloe Vich, Noe Villagrana, Lizett Zendejas, Samantha Zendejas

Family Programming at The Broad Stage made possible in part by the generous support of the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Arts Commissions, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.