The Pan American Dance Institute (PADI), a newly created New Mexico State University dance program, will hold a “Red and Black Ball” at 6 p.m. April 8 at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Museum, 2100 Dripping Springs Rd.

PADI was created to promote the appreciation of ethnic heritages in every community and promote an understanding of all ethnicities. Its vision is to preserve, present and promote the cultures of America through traditional and contemporary dance.

“I was trying to figure out what made us different than other dance companies in the state,” said Debra Knapp, director of the NMSU dance program. “We’re a border university and we should focus on our border heritage and traditions.”

PADI will participate in local, national and international programs, including youth programs, community dance performances, international/national dance conferences and festivals, national festivals and an international exchange program.

“We will focus more on Hispanic and other traditional dances,” Knapp said. “We want to collaborate with dancers and scholars throughout the Americas.”

Knapp said the “Red and Black Ball” will help make the community aware of PADI and help raise money for future projects, as well as introduce the institute’s 2008-2009 programs.

The “Red and Black Ball” is a black-tie optional event. Hors d’oeuvres and music will begin at 6 p.m. and an international dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m. Music and dancing will follow the meal. Bob Burns and the Mike Caranda Orchestra will play a variety of musical styles including swing, jitterbug, tango and Cumbia. A silent auction will be held at 9:30 p.m.

Throughout the evening, NMSU Dance companies and guest artists will perform traditional and contemporary dances from Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Tickets for the “Red and Black Ball” are $75 per person or $700 for a table of 10. The profits will help support the PADI’s outreach programs and provide scholarships for students pursuing a dance degree. Tickets can be purchased at the Pan American Center or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information call (575) 646-2070.

----------------------------

Photos are available at
http://ucommphoto.nmsu.edu/newsphoto/dance_01.jpg
CUTLINE: NMSU dance faculty members Lucilene Degeus and Paco Antonio performing at the Rio Grande Theater in 2007. (NMSU photo by Alan Soloman)

http://ucommphoto.nmsu.edu/newsphoto/dance_02.jpg
CUTLINE: Alicia Padilla and Angel Favela, NMSU dance majors and members of the DanceSport company, performing at the Court Youth Center Auditorium in 2007. (NMSU photo by Alan Soloman)

Beth Sitzler
Feb. 22, 2008

Go back to NMSU News Releases

Go back to University Communications Homepage.