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Courtesy Company E
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Courtesy Company E
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Courtesy Company E
The internationally recognized contemporary dance group Company E is coming to Richmond for its first show back in the United States in many months, this Saturday at the Grace Street Theater.
Many of the dancers have “always had a special connection to Richmond,” says Jennifer Baker, marketing director.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Company E was founded in the Peruvian jungle in the summer of 2011 by five passionate dancers. Immediately, the group began performing and working internationally. Company E also has been providing dance education and inspiring diplomatic engagement around the globe. The troupe has traveled to more than 20 countries on five continents in the past three years.
The group has made international awareness and friendship a centerpiece of its mission. The dancers are committed to “opening channels of communication through dance” and view themselves as cultural ambassadors, according to Baker.
Amidst its travels, the group had a window of open time and decided to fit in another show here in Richmond.
“They feel safe, loved and embraced here,” says Baker.
Two of the seven company members have close ties to the Richmond area: Kyoko Ruch recently graduated from VCU's dance department and Gavin Stewart previously danced with Richmond Ballet. Stewart participated with Company E in a four-city teaching and concert tour of Kazakhstan in August. Noting the eagerness with which students signed up for workshops, he called the experience “a reminder of the power of dance regardless of culture or language.”
Stewart's duet, Dendovictus, will have its U.S. premiere in Richmond when the group performs on Saturday.
“It's special that he is doing this here,” says Baker.
The show, titled “2+2+4,” will feature another duet making its U.S. premiere (English/Israeli choreographer Rachel Erdos’ Why We Tell) as well as a group number, Robert Priore’s Abandon, that has been praised all over the world.
Company E performs at 8 p.m. at The Grace Street Theater. Tickets are available online (showclix.com) or at the box office (828-2020) for $15 general admission, $5 for students.
