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Overview, BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE ANTIOQUIA COLOMBIA*
A Winter Special Concert
Saturday, January 28, 2012, 8pm
The rhythms, costumes and dances of Colombia combine for one sizzling evening in a spectacular display of music, lights and movement.
*San Diego Symphony does not perform.
Notes, Ballet Folklórico De Antioquia, Colombia: 2012 US Tour
Saturday, January 28, 2012, 8pm
Copley Symphony Hall
What is MAPALÉ?
Colombia is a land of mountains, valleys and plains that are home to great biodiversity. It's a land of wonderful places that have been transformed into world heritage through their archaeological sites, populations and carnivals. Sites that tell stories of ancient indigenous traditions, populations that witnessed the Spanish conquest /colonization and carnivals highlight the joy of the Colombian people.
Colombia’s rhythms and traditional dances honor a multicultural wealth of indigenous, African and European origins. These come together into a fusion inspired by the customs of the places where these traditions take place. The weather and natural resources of these populations influence the way to dress, the food choices, the behavior of the natives and the way of life. In turn, all of these cultural evolutions have become the source of inspiration for this magical Colombia.
Thus, MAPALÉ was born. Along the Magdalena River, the fishermen in earlier times discovered a small fish which they called Mapalé, whose movements gave rise to a frenetic dance, characterized by the symbolic body movements of the fish when caught. Over time, this dance rhythm with a strong African influence executed with great speed, has been transformed. It has adopted a sensual and frenetic nature showcasing great physical skills. Being a typical dance of the Colombian Caribbean coast, it's indicative of typical festivities and carnivals.
MAPALÉ is a show that will let you connect with the indigenous origins of Colombia. MAPALÉ is tradition that tells the stories of the men and women who work the land, who celebrate slyly while showing a mastery of their instruments of tillage. It’s a story of a country that vibrates to the stomping of the Colombian cowboys in the plains. It’s an account of the singing that is evoked from the dancing traditions of the river folk. Moreover, it’s the story of the Cumbia that sounds like Colombia wherever it is heard and, as a result, makes it irresistible to dance to. Lastly, it’s a tale where the Carnival became heritage and Salsa dancing became the dressing of our Latin flavor; where sensuality and frenzied movements make everyone want to move their shoulders without stopping, resulting in a performance full of diversity, precision and feeling.
Ballet Folklórico de Antioquia, Columbia presents
“MAPALÉ”
Cumbia
Choreography: Albeiro Roldán Penagos - Ballet Folclórico de Antioquia
Composer: Wilson Choperena (La Pollera Colorá) – José Barros (Navidad Negra, El Pescador)
San Agustín
Choreography: Ballet Folclórico de Antioquia
Composer: Cesar Brand – Oscar Botero – Tierradentro
San Juanero
Choreography: Del Folclor Colombiano
Composer: Anselmo Durán Plazas
Joropo
Choreography: Juan Camilo Maldonado
Composer: Del Folclor llanero
Tambora
Choreography: Juan Camilo Maldonado
Composer: Juan Pablo Acosta (La Hamaquita de Rayas)
Cumbia Gozadera
Composer: Juan Pablo Acosta
Mapalé
Choreography: Albeiro Roldán Penagos - Ballet Folclórico de Antioquia
Composer: Lucho Bermúdez (Prende la Vela) – Juan Pablo Acosta (Oricamba)
INTERMISSION
Guaneña
Choreography: Albeiro Roldán Penagos - Ballet Folclórico de Antioquia
Composer: Neftalí Benavidez – Nicanor Díaz
Pasillo Voliao
Choreography: Ballet Folclórico de Antioquia
Composer: del folclor colombiano – Luis Miguel de Zulategui (Cachipay – El Cafetero)
Macheteros
Choreography: Mauricio Aristizábal, Hernán Darío Suaza
Composer: Juan Pablo Acosta (Pilas con el Machete) - Liber Mateus (Pasillo Capilla)
No me Presionen
Composer: Juan Pablo Acosta
Comparsa del Carnaval
Choreography: Hernán Darío Suaza
Composer: Mi Comparsa (Juan Pablo Acosta) - La Mujer Amarilla (Folclor Atlántico)
Cuando Llegue la Noche
Composer: Juan Pablo Acosta
Baile del Porro
Choreography: Edwin Valencia
Composer: Lucho Bermúdez (Gaita de las Flores – Diana María)
Descarga
Choreography: Juan Camilo Maldonado
Composer: Orquesta Típica 73 (Descarga 73)
Salsa
Choreography: Luis Eduardo Hernández “el Mulato Latino”
Composer: Diego Galé (Hasta que se Rompa el Cuero) – Jairo Varela (Buenaventura y Caney)- Joe Arroyo (Rebelión) – Juan Pablo Acosta (Te Llama el Timbal)
Artists, 
Ballet Folklórico de Antioquia, Colombia is a cultural organization with a 20-year history that promotes the strengthening of Colombian cultural identities for national and international audiences through the enjoyment of dance and music as artistic expressions. We mean to be the best cultural ambassadors of our country. Diversity, precision and emotion are the characteristics that shine through in each of the 60 choreographies that we present in our repertoire.
The Ballet has been critically acclaimed for its professionalism, high technical level and artistic quality. Some of these awards and recognitions include: awarded the “Cabe Citar” Gold Medal at the Stylized Folk Olympics in Dijon, France in 1998; granted the “Ugo Re Capriata” special recognition award at the International Folk Dance Festival in Agrigento, Italy in 2003; given special recognition for excellent participation at the International Festival of the Performing Arts in Tamaulipas, México in 2005 and 2009; granted the special recognition “Perfección” as a special guest at the 25th Annual International Festival in Drummondville in Quebec, Canada in 2006; recognized with excellence at the Folkmoot International Festival in North Carolina, U.S.A. in 2006; granted special recognition for the best Latin American company to participate at the cultural program of the Olympic Games in Beijing, China in 2008. The Ballet has also been recognized for its participation in the inauguration and closing events of the South American Games in Medellín, 2010.
France has vibrated on various occasions to the impetuous movements of the “Mapalé” dance, and Italy has been easily seduced by the rhythms of the “Cumbia” dance. Canada has eagerly welcomed the flirty rhythms of the Colombian Pacific coast into its theaters and festivals. Mexico has attentively heard the indigenous melodies of the Colombian high plains. Last but not least, China and Japan have experienced the sublime ritual of the “San Agustín” dance. Other countries like Spain, Belgium, Holland, Chile, Peru, and the United States have also discovered a creative, exuberant and multi-cultural Colombia. The Ballet Folklórico de Antioquia, Colombia transmits its expressiveness, energy and love for dance in every stage they visit.
Twenty years have passed since the dream of one man, Albeiro Roldán Penagos, began to be realized in the city of Medellín. The day-to-day consistency and vision of the future have given shape to this artistic project that was born to be part of the world’s heritage. We welcome you into our dream. For more information, please visit www.cami.com and http://www.bfda.org/en/.
Watch & Listen,
