The LaDiego Newsletter
Message from Artistic Director
Daniel Marshall
LaDiego Dance Theater is entering our third year of existence and still going strong. I would like to personally thank my dancers, board of directors and audience members for your continuous support. LaDiego is on the move! Hopefully you all are on board and ready for the ride.
Thank you,
Daniel Marshall
What’s New: The 2008 Season is Taking Off!
LaDiego Dance Theater is presenting a new ballet this season “Mardi Gras Princess – A Cinderella Story”. This modern day fairytale portrays the constant battle between good and evil.
LaDiego would also like welcome new dancers into the family, Hillary Brunt, Deni Mack, Memo Vega, Christian Real, Anna Simms, Grant Gilbert, Salinda Nicols and guest artists Michael Sewell and James Ellzy.
Mardi Gras Princess: A Cinderella Story
Q & A Corner with Daniel Marshall
Tell us a little about Mardi Gras Princess.
The story is loosely based on the Cinderella fairytale. A young girl, who is constantly tormented and ridiculed by her Stepmother and stepsisters meets two brothers and is whisked to the ball where she is forced to choose between the two. She finds love and happiness through all the madness Mardi Gras.
What made you come up with this as your next performance?
I have always enjoyed the Cinderella story and because it reminds people that good always prevails.
In Land of the Sweets, Duke Ellington experimented with the music inspired from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Where did you get your musical inspiration in this show?
I actually worked with this band before and really enjoy their music. I wanted to do something different and the New Orleans theme came to mind. Of course then I knew I had to use the Dirty Dozen Brass Band since they are the essence of New Orleans.
Are there any interesting character twists?
In this story there is a Godfather and his character is a little darker and seedy. Audrina (Cinderella character) thinks she needs to change in order to win the guy and this character gives her a boost of confidence to say the least.
You have a small company (I counted 14). How difficult is it to cast your dancers for shows like this? Also, what is it you look for in your dancers when casting a piece?
Casting is usually not difficult because of the company size it’s mostly because all my dancers are so amazing I sometimes run out of parts. Although we have titles in LaDiego all dancers are showcased to show off their talents.
What would you like the audience to leave with after seeing Mardi Gras Princess?
As with all my shows I want the audience to feel like they had a wonderful time. I want them feel as if they went on a journey. For some a journey of remembrance and for most a journey of exuberance. This show in particular the audience should feel the essence of New Orleans and the passion of Mardi Gras.
Dining with LaDiego: A Fundraising Event
This year LaDiego Dance Theater is hosting their 1st fundraising event called “Dining with LaDiego”. This is also going to include a choreographer’s competition for new and emerging choreographers to showcase their works on the LaDiego dancers. This event is going to be very exciting. More information will be coming soon. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, go to the contact page and send us an email.
Featured Dancer: Jason Marks
Jason Marks is new to dance and has only been training in ballet for about 4 months. His potential is limitless and he grows everyday. Jason is a hardworking and dedicated to his craft. He dances with power and passion. He has the perfect physique for dancing and the mentally to match. Jason is a work in progress but his improvement is fast and strong.
Our Mission
LaDiego Dance Theater’s mission is to inspire the community to participate in the power, passion and beauty of dance. Through performance and education we aim to encourage innovation and experimentation, fusing classic and contemporary styles to rediscover the common vocabulary of dance. We invite you to help bridge the gap between the symphony hall and the streets, to articulate the relevance of dance beyond the realm of music television.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events - Sidebar
An Evening with Ladiego
- BUY TICKETS
- June 6, 2008
- Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center (JCC)
- more information