IN THE SOMERVILLE THEATER: DANCE!
ArtBeat Saturday, July 19th

12:30pm

Christine Bennett Dance

Bennett Dance Company is a group of women reaching out to larger audiences in the Northeast and nationwide. Led by choreographer and Artistic Director Christine Bennett, the group focuses on collaborations with artists working in other media. For example In "Inner House," which will be performed at ArtBeat, the dance centers in, on, and around a 6 x 6 x 8' yellow ochre house with silver tiled interior by visual artist Michael Dowling. The choreography of Bennett Dance Company requires that its dancers continually push boundaries by learning new physical skills.

2pm

Lasandhi Dance Theater

Tara Ahmed's Lasandhi Dance Theater fuses the ancient and the contemporary in a dynamic blend of Asian cultures and disciplines. The dancers merge classical Indian dance with West African and Modern dance, Taiko drumming and Indian martial arts. Original choreography is accompanied by Indian, Japanese and Middle Eastern musicians. Inspired by Indian women's poetry and folk songs, the pieces are based on the nine major human emotions ranging from amazement to anger. A two year-old company, Lasandhi has received enthusiastic reviews and will perform at Jacob's Pillow this August.

3pm

Meghan McLyman Dance

To change the position, to set or keep in motion, to arouse emotions, to move. These concepts drive "Moving," the collaborative project of modern dance choreographer Meghan McLyman and videographer Eric Fisher. The work alternates between poignant interviews with everyday people and powerful dances that explore tripping and falling, poor posture, giving directions, and McLyman's upbringing as the daughter of a Marine Corps officer. Performing to music by Chopin, Bach, and Yann Tierson, dancers Jenny Carlson, Jill Jackson and April Shepard join McLyman on stage.

4:30pm

Snappy Dance Theater

This performance marks the fifth year that Snappy will be performing at ArtBeat. It is the last home town show for the increasingly national, touring company before it heads out on the road this September. The eightmember ensemble incorporates the diverse movement backgrounds of its members (theater, puppetry, gymnastics, dance and martial arts) to create performances, which take the audience on an emotional journey that is humorous, thought provoking, and filled with surprises. Dance Theater.