Italy has been the focal point of the world over the last few weeks with the death of Pope ancis and the election of American Pope Leo.XIV. Although not planned with the Papacy in mind, audiences that wish to learn more about Italy will enjoy the Dance Now Program this weekend featuring the world premiere of ‘Terra Mia/My Land’, choreographed by Dance Now Miami co-founder Diego Salterini to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the company.
“Terra Mia/My Land” will be performed along with several other Dance Now Miami modern dances tonight on Friday, May 9 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale and on Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Aventura.
Before immigrating from his native Italy to residing in South Florida shortly before the beginning of the 21st century, Salierini was well-known in Italy for his dancing and choreography in modern dance. Shortly after arriving in the United States, , Salierini met his future artistic partner Hannah Baumgarten, an American modern dancer who also has a flair for choreography in forming Dance Now Miami.
“There has been much success working with Hannah (Baumgarten), the DNM dancers and all the dancers we choreographed over the past 25 years,” said Salterini.
In his homage to his native Italy in ‘Terra Mia/My Land’, Salterini and the dancers will show a nation with contrasting looks and styles that is cosmopolitan.
Dance Now Miami featured dance “Terra Miam/My Land” to be performed with two other dancers tonight on Friday, May 9 at 8 p.n. At Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale and on Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m. at Aventura Arts and Cultural Center in Aventura. Photo by Jenny Abreu.
“There is a contrast that I see all the time in Italy that I want to capture in the dance. There is haute coture along ancient cobblestones. Then you can be alone with one person in a church playing and then you go to a restaurant and greet many people passing by the beautiful river. It is the energy and pulse of the nation that is expressed in the dance,” said Salterini.
The 30 minute “Terra Mia/My Land” dance has an original score by Federico Bonacossa.
Prior to the performance of “Terra Mia/My Land”, DNM will perform two of the company’s favorite dances from the past. The first dance, “Bridges Not Walls”, collaborated in 2015 by DNM with dance companies from both Italy and Mexico, is a look at immigration and being a refugee.
Dance Now Miami dance “Bridges Not Walls” to be performed with two other dances tonight on Friday, May 9 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale and on Saturday May 10 at Aventura Arts and Cultural Center in Aventura. Photo by Simon Soon.
“The dance is about our global identification and who we are as global citizens. In the dance, the focus is on refugees and what people go through in their lives to become refugees. It is surprising how relevant this discussion is today after so many years,” said Baumgarten.
The second dance titled “Court Dance” was originally choreographed by Baumgarten in 2003 and is based on the then political controversy over hanging chads to determine the winner of the 2000 U.S. Presidential election.
“The dancers are dressed in velvet suits with red and blue and wear masks and ‘Court Dance’ has been an audience favorite for over 20 years.
Dance Now Miami dance “Court Dance” to be performed with two other dances tonight on Friday, May 9 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale and on Saturday, May 10 at Aventura Arts and Cultural Center in Aventura. Photo by Jenny Abreu.
The success of Baumgarten and Salterini in having the Dance Now Miami company emerge and flourish for over 25 years had much to do with the sophistication of their choreographed dances, their willingness to work with other dance companies across the nation and in the world to create their artistic vision.
Dance Now Miami has been performing in South Florida at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center in Aventura, Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale, Colony Theater and Fillmore Theater in Miami Beach as well as on tour across the United States and internationally.
Their work with collaboration has produced creative, thoughtful dances full of energy that refine the identities of both choreographers. Salterini has expressed his feelings as an Italian with “Terre Mia/My Land” and Baubarten has created her strong Jewish identity with her dances “Grace” and “Odisea” ( a collaboration with the Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company in 2005.
Dance Now Miami will present Program III highlighted by the world premiere of “Terra Mia, My Land” tonight (Friday, May 9) at 8 pm at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Ft. Lauderdale and on Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m. at Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3855 NE 188 Street in Aventura. Tickets range from $30-40 and $20 for students. For tickets and more information, go to dancenowmiami.org or call 305-975-8489
