dance around the world

The beauty and elegance of the fluid human form brings delight and wonderment all over the world. This month, First Coast stages will be graced by four such performances from the four corners of the world: The Golden Dragon Acrobats, Giselle, Tango Fire and Momix.
On January 7 enjoy amazing Chinese acrobatics with The Golden Dragon Acrobats, representing the best of a time-honored tradition for over 25 centuries. The dynamic athletics combine with elegant costumes, traditional dance as well as ancient and contemporary music. You’ll enjoy dynamic theatrical techniques that present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty at the Wilson Center at FCCJ South campus on Beach Boulevard at 7:30 pm. The next day the troupe will present two student/group performances at 10 am and noon.
Following the pretzel people, the pace changes to the classical dance style as FCCJ Artist Series presents Giselle with the State Ballet Theatre of Russia. This tale of a never-ending love story is known as the most romantic of the classic ballets and was first performed in 1841 at the Paris Opera. The story revolves around an innocent young girl caught in a tragic love triangle and is brought to the giant stage by a cast of 50 dancers. Don’t miss the enchantment of classical dance on Friday, January 9 at 8 pm in the Moran Theatre at the Times-Union Performing Arts Center.
Next you can turn up your dance temperature with Tango Fire. They’re heating up the stage with the world’s most alluring and exciting form of dance- the sultry Tango. The raw energy and distinct precision of this almost intoxicating dance display originated in Buenos Aires and will be presented by four talented musicians and ten hot-blooded dancers. For nearly 200 years the Tango has brought the world passionate music and fiery dance. Let the rhythm take you away January 20 at 7:30 pm in the Moran Theatre inside the Times-Union Performing Arts Center.
Finally, defy the impossible, or at the very least watch other people defy it. Momix is an amazing visual multi-media presentation that transports the audience into a surreal world of imagination and fantasy. Their gravity-defying performance is uniquely American and combines athletic dance with riveting music and inventive props to bring unbelievable imagery to life. Momix lands at the Florida Theatre on January 29.
All four shows are brought to the stages of Jacksonville by the FCCJ Artist Series. To order tickets by phone contact the FCCJ Artist Series box office at 632-3373 or online at artistseries.fccj.org.