By Lookout Staff

April 27, 2022 -- SMC’S Global Motion World Dance Company will showcase dances from across the planet next month -- from Mexican Folklórico to Samba Reggae.

The Spring 2022 performances take place Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. in The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard).

Guests should visit smc.edu/coronavirus before heading to the performance for up-to-date details on vaccine and mask requirements, as requirements are subject to change, event organizers said.

"SMC students will present the excitement and diverse beauty of other cultures through showcasing traditional and contemporary World Dance styles," organizers said.

These include West African, Belly Dance (aka Raqs Sharqi), Mexican Folklórico, House, Salsa, Samba Reggae and Tahitian.

The performances also include a work by guest artist Ephrat Asherie, an award-winning, New York City-based B-Girl, dancer, and choreographer.

Founded by retired SMC Dance Department chair Judith Douglas, Global Motion is under the artistic direction of SMC dance professors Raquel Ramirez, founder and director of a Mexican folklórico performance group, and Sri Susilowati, a dancer, choreographer and storyteller originally from Indonesia.

Global Motion was formed "to bring knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the diverse beauty of dance throughout the world," organizers said.

It also gives SMC students "the essential experience of working with choreographers and performing as a professional company, on a professional stage."

The ensemble has toured extensively and performed at schools, festivals, and special events throughout California and Mexico.

They also have performed in Beijing, China three times; Bracciano, Italy; Santiago, Chile; Lloret de Mar, Spain, and Paris, France.

Advance tickets can be purchased online at smc.edu/tickets at any time for $20, plus a modest service charge. Seating is on a first-arrival basis.

More information is available at smc.edu/dance or by calling the SMC Dance Department at 310-434-3467.