Author: Sophie Myrtil-McCourty

‘The next weekend, CONTRA-TIEMPO, an Afro-Latin activist dance theater from Los Angeles, saw many of its performances rained out, as well. Founder and choreographer Ana Maria Alvarez was philosophical. “We haven’t been able to do all the shows that we were planning to do,” she says. “But in some ways, it feels a little bit…

‘This Post-Show Talk features CONTRA-TIEMPO artistic director Ana Maria Alvarez and dancers Charlie Dando, Jannet Galdamez, Bianca Medina, Ruby Morales, Dalphe Morantus, and Jasmine Stanley in conversation with Jacob’s Pillow Scholar-in-Residence Maura Keefe. The Talk took place on July 10, 2021 following the afternoon performance by CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival…

‘While joy and human bonding are at the core of the work, the company didn’t mince words in referencing racism and the empowerment and self-empowerment that must be achieved to overcome it. “You have the right to devour space unapologetically,” they proclaimed, while doing just that, boldly and beautifully.’ Read the full review here.

‘‘All in all, “joyUS justUS” is beautifully uplifting and optimistic in an era that is desperate for solutions.’ Read the full review here.

‘The dancers are supple, expressive, acrobatic, and, without exception, a thrill to watch, and to listen to as they speak and sing their messages.’ Read the full review here.