McCallum Theatre

October 1, 2001

Bayanihan --
Philippine National Dance Company

The Bayanihan story spans forty-three years of performances all over the world. The company takes its name from the ancient Filipino tradition of Bayanihan, which signifies working together for the common good. The first Filipino group to perform on Broadway, Bayanihan also has the distinction of being the first non-American dance company to take stage at New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. This famous Filipino dance group reflects the beauty and wealth of color of their tropical country and brings Filipino culture into the limelight.

Reviews

"I enjoyed watching these people do dances from their native country. It made me want to find out more about the Philippine culture."
--Ian I.

"This performance made me feel full of happiness, because I am part oriental. I loved all the oriental dances..."
--Megan

"I enjoyed the dances because they were unique and interesting. It made me feel like I was in a different world."
--Roz

"I felt excited because even though part of my family is from the Philippines, I don't know anything about it."
--Marrichrist

"The performance made me feel like dancing in the theatre."
--Chanice

November 16, 2001

Robert "Tree" Cody

Robert "Tree" Cody (also known in the Maricopa language as Oou-Kas Mah Quet or "Thunder Bear") is a Native American flutist, dancer, artist, educator and actor. Standing 6 foot, 10 inches, "Tree" Cody holds a commanding stage presence. This performance - Crossroads - examines the musical and cultural relationship between the Native Americans of the Southwest US and Mexico and teams "Tree" with Mayan flutist Xavier Quijas Yxayotl (Huichol). Each plays the woodwind instruments native to his culture ("Tree," the red cedar flute and Xavier, the clay pipes). They are joined on stage by a group of Aztec musicians and dancers.

March 7, 2002

Pilobolus Dance Theatre

Pilobolus (crystallinus) is a phototropic zygomycete - a sun-loving fungus that grows in barnyards and pastures. It’s a feisty little thing - only 1/4 inch tall - that can throw its spores nearly 8 feet, right over a cow. It’s also a highly unusual dance company and one of the world’s most famous ones. Founded in 1971 as an experiment in collaborative choreography, Pilobolus has forged a new vision of modern dance, stretching the boundaries of human movement with a dazzling mix of humor, intelligence, physical invention and raw athleticism.