“Dancing is just discovery, discovery, discovery…” Martha Graham
Accessible, entertaining, fun, and at the same time reflexive, modern dance can be all of this. An art for everyone where you don’t need any preparation more than watching and connecting yourself with an idea or emotion with what is presented by the dancers. That is precisely one of the objectives of Tumáka’t, taking dance to the public: kids, adults, families, community; an art that moves people.
If you haven’t had any previous experience with modern dance you could think that many of the plays are the result of improvisation, although behind each presentation exists a concept, rehearsals, lighting and lots of works that involves the body as the main expression element.
How does Tumáka’t started?
We spoke with Vania Durán, founder of this Mexican dance group in Mérida, who told us about the different company projects, the studio + residence, and the forum.
“We were born as a project wanting to take the scenic arts to new audiences, enticing you to come back and see more performances. Also to create a space for the exchange of experiences between dance professionals, a meeting place,” Vania told us. Now a days in one of the cultural spaces that you can’t miss in Mérida’s Downtown.
Founded in 2007, and having a beautiful renovated house in Mérida’s Centro as headquarters (Calle 51 #475-A x 52), since 2008, this independent dance company has participated in festivals in Yucatán, El Cervantino, in San Luis Potosí, and in international tours to Spain, Belize, Colombia and Venezuela, among other countries.
They have given performances in their forum and have had artistic residences of international dancers who shared their experience and helped with staging. “To stage a performance can take 4 to 6 months, including the creative process, the technical part, the rehearsals, materials, lighting, and everything that is required,” explained Vania. Some of the plays are: Good Intentions in 01:19:00, The longest distance between two points, between others.
“We care a lot about the quality of what we present, but also in creating change.” Tumáka’t has participated in school dance projects, bringing kids closer to dance, with more than 8,000 children from public and private schools of Yucatán, reaffirming their conviction of doing something for the community.
There are also specialized workshops for professional dancers; in August, Dominik Borucki will be giving a workshop about his techniques and experience.
Classes for Everyone
The general public can attend yoga classes (Fridays from 9 am – 10 am) and dance classes (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 pm – 9 pm). For kids aged 3 – 10 years, there will be a course this summer, from August 1 – 26, with corporal expression, theater, yoga, settings and games activities from 9 am – 1 pm.
A space of expression, improvisation, study, creation, and freedom: you will find it at Tumáka’t. Don’t miss it!
Calle 51 #475-A x 52 y 54, Centro
Tel. (999) 923 1852
[email protected]
www.tumakat.com
FB: tumàka’t danza contemporánea
By Violeta H. Cantarell
Esta entrada también está disponible en: ES
