RDT Performs Michio Ito

One of the nation’s most renown modern dance companies is coming to Ontario, bringing with them the work of Japan’s most famous choreographer– a man who once found himself unjustly accused of espionage during WWII and whose works helped galvanize modern dance.

Heading to Four Rivers Cultural Center in April is Repertory Dance Theatre, a company dedicated to the creation, performance, perpetuation, and appreciation of modern dance.

The Cultural Center will host a two-day event, April 20-21, led by the dance company, where a presentation and performance will highlight Japan’s most famous choreographer: Michio Ito.

As part of the dance company initiative to preserving and honoring the work of founders and pioneers of the early 20th-century modern dance, instructors and dancers will lead a two-day event in regards to Ito’s work.

Repertory Dance Theatre will host a lecture April 20 at 7 p.m. at the Meyer-Mclean Performing Arts Theatre for those looking to learn more about Ito’s story. During this event, a short film will be presented and attendees will also get the chance to learn from instructors and dancers the Ito technique and gesture sequences– a series of 10 moves that are still used to date.

Following the lecture will be a paid performance on April 21 at 7 p.m, where dancers will move to Ito’s most famous works.

Often regarded as the forgotten pioneer of American modern dance, Ito produced 120 dances and 32 productions in London, New York, and Los Angeles in his lifetime. His style of dance is often described as a fusion of Western and Eastern elements as he asserted that his personal style was not limited by his cultural heritage.

Ito’s work is a valuable addition to Repertory Dance Theatre’s living library of historical modern dance, and we look forward to sharing it with students, teachers and audience members around the country,” said the dance company in a statement.

It is implied by some that Ito’s work would have been more widely known and regarded in the United States had he not been incarcerated and falsely accused of espionage at the outbreak of WWII.

Tickets for the performance on April 21 at 7 PM are $10 and may be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rdt-performs-michio-ito-tickets-41318171764 or at Four Rivers Cultural Center, 676 SW 5th Ave., Ontario.

JACL & Sister City Noodle Bowl Dinner are $10.00 Starts at 5:30 PM

 

Videos:

Michio Ito – Repertory Dance Theatre from RDT on Vimeo.

 

 

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