Global Motion performs "Savory Moves"

Friday evening provided a way for different cultures to display their talents at SMC's Performing Arts Center. Through dance and music, the Global Motion World Dance Company boasted energy and culture in their performance of "Savory Moves."

Global Motion was founded by Judith Douglas and is under the direction of Raquel Ramirez and Sri Susilowati. It has toured extensively throughout Mexico and California for over 16 years, and holds performances at schools, festivals, and special events.

The Global Citizenship Council's theme of food was incorporated into most of the dances. Exhibiting everything from Mexican mariachi type dances to ballet and hip-hop, Global Motion allowed a variety of different backgrounds to come together all relating with food.

"It was pretty great," said Jessica Arch, an attendee of the show. "It's an opportunity to take in many cultures and forms of dancing."

The "Dia De los Muertos" (Day of the Dead) performers wore wooden skull masks and danced in honor of their deceased loved ones. It was choreographed by Raquel Ramirez, co-director of Global Motion and part-time instructor at SMC. Food, flowers, and candles were placed on altars dedicated to the dead. Women in white dresses and men in black suits then began to dance, displaying the half of their face that was skeletal.

China's Xinjiang region is known for its abundance in grapes. In the dance from this area, the group of girls dressed in silk-like gold and blue, placed grapes into their baskets, and cheerfully glided and smiled as they performed across the stage. It was choreographed by Jade Gao, a professional dancer and choreographer of primarily Chinese classical, folk, and minority dance styles.

In the West African dance, a woman who appears to have died is brought to life again amidst the shouting and chanting of a fellow girl from the tribe. When she's brought to life, she begins to dance and commands the stage to the sound of a drum.

The hip-hop number "The Apple of His Eye" provided music such as Beyonce's "Baby Boy" and Janet Jackson's "All Nite (Don't Stop)." It demonstrated the lust of biting into a forbidden apple, imitating the story of Adam and Eve.

"Potpourri de Jalisco" incorporated the blue agave plant, one of Jalisco's greatest treasures. The dance represented the festivals that occur throughout this part of Mexico where music and cuisine are the main attractions. The women's skirts shone with glitter and designs from elements of their culture.

‘Capoeira Batizado' displayed a form of dance martial arts. One man played the drum while other shirtless men danced and incorporated knives.

Other dance numbers included belly dancing from Turkey and Egypt, contemporary ballet, salsa, and folklorico.

The entertaining performances provided something for everyone to enjoy. It was a night of celebrating cultures throughout the world, and tying them in with one thing they have in common; in this case, a regard and admiration of food.