Hasbrouck Heights Resident to Perform at the Puffin Cultural Forum

BALAM Dance Theatre has performed throughout the world and is bringing its eclectic fusion style to the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck, New Jersey on February 1 at 8 p.m.  The company’s new production, The Faces of Love, spotlights Balinese, Baroque, Spanish, Commedia dell'Arte, and fusion work. 

Guest artist Barbara Romero of Hasbrouck Heights will perform El Vito, a rarely seen, alluring Spanish 19th century Escuela Bolera dance solo.  Ms. Romero, co-artistic director of Danzas Españolas, will also lead the audience in a demonstration of palmas, Spanish rhythmic hand clapping. 

Dance, music and acting inspired by themes of love, devotion and desire resonate throughout the production.  The dancers performing in this program are BALAM Resident Balinese Artist Nani Devi, Noh Theatre actor/dancer Toshinori Hamada, principal ballerina Robin Gilbert, and artistic director, Baroque dance specialist, and Boston Early Music Festival co-choreographer Carlos Fittante.  Featured special guest artists joining BALAM’s talented team are acclaimed musician Leah Nelson on Baroque violin; Barbara Romero, co-artistic director of Danzas Españolas; and Inma Heredia from Seville, Spain and the world’s first and only Flamenco stand-up comedian.

The program presents Margapati, a vibrant Balinese dance solo performed by a woman representing the power of a lion character and Tigerlily and the Dragonfly, a fantasy courtship on point.  Spanish themes of love are seen in Amantes, a haunting masked solo performed to a rumba; Folia, a Baroque courtship performed with castanets and fan language; and Fandango Fantasy, a businessman’s risqué dream performed to live Baroque violin music.   The Melon Peel, a ribald Commedia dell’Arte monologue, will delight the audience.  Sunda Upasunda, a mythic story of ambition, desire, and jealousy, blends karate, Spanish dance and sword technique, Balinese dance, and modern dance.  The audience will also be invited to participate. 

The event is open to the public and will be presented at 20 Puffin Way (off of Teaneck Road) in Teaneck, New Jersey.   General seating is available, and tickets are $10.  Reservations are recommended and may be made via email or by calling 201-836-3499.

For further information about BALAM Dance Theatre, call 646-361-9183 or visit online, follow the company on Facebook, and check for updates on Twitter @BALAMDance.