African dancer Dada Masilo U.S. debut at Denison University

Date of Event: February 3, 2012

Posted: January 23, 2012

Dada Masilo as Carmen. Photo credit John Hogg

GRANVILLE, Ohio—The acclaimed Dada Masilo has exploded onto the international dance scene with a thrilling blend of classical ballet and African dance. Known for both her high-speed dancing and revolutionary choreography, Masilo’s contemporary interpretations of Swan Lake and Carmen have astonished audiences worldwide. Denison University will host her U.S. premiere at 8 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 3, in Swasey Chapel (200 Chapel Drive). A limited number of tickets may be offered for sale to the general public at $15 if space allows. Details will be posted at www.vailseries.org or call 740-587-6557.

Raised in Soweto, South Africa, 13-year-old Masilo’s street-troupe dancing caught the eye of the manager of the Dance Factory in Newtown. After intensive training there and with Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker in Brussels, she went on to perform for Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, danced in London, and performed with some of South Africa’s most respected choreographers, while also creating her own celebrated works. In 2008, Masilo won the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist Award for dancing and choreography.

With Lulu Mlangeni, a winner of South Africa’s “So You Think You Can Dance” program, Masilo will perform a highly personal repertoire that combines elements of both classical ballet and South African dance. The program will open with a series of movements that trace the journey of a young woman who comes to an understanding of her place and power in the world. This will be followed by Masilo’s stunning interpretation of Shakespeare’s immortal character, Ophelia.

Endowed by a generous gift from the late Mary and Foster McGaw in honor of Jeanne Vail, class of 1946, the Vail Series brings to campus the world’s premier performers, as well as new musical talents, enriching the artistic experience of the entire Denison Community.

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING, Denison University, Granville— Concert: Contemporary dancer Dada Masilo’s U.S. premiere at 8 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 3, in Swasey Chapel (200 Chapel Drive). A limited number of tickets may be offered for sale to the general public at $15 if space allows. Details will be posted at www.vailseries.org or call 740-587-6557.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For event inquiries:

Name: Mary Frazell
Position Title: Associate Director, Event Planning
Primary Email: frazellm@denison.edu
Business Phone: (740) 587-6611

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