Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 19, Number 3, 1 March 2002 — 'Men Dancing' opens Tau Dance Theatre season [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

'Men Dancing' opens Tau Dance Theatre season

By Manu Boyd Producer/choreographer Peter Rockford Espiritu opens his Tau Dance Theatre season with 'Men Dancing ,' and male-centric extravaganza described by Dance Magazine as a "show stopper" and a "tightly synchronized romp." Based on Espiritu's past works, you ean bet that this refined, third-round production will live up to Tau's reputation for excellence in entertainment. With avant garde costuming reaching toward elements of Hawaiian tradition, Tau dancers will enhanee the roster of island kāne performers all with deep roots in Hawai'i. Hālau O Kekuhi, the Hilo-based Kanaka'ole family school will lend traditional credibility, contrasting with the eontemporary influences of Dalton-Hartel Dance N YC Director Austin Hartel, Andrew Sakaguchi, the men of 24- VII Dance Force (Marcello Pacleb, director and Ryan Sabado, choreographer). Kumu Hula 0'Brian Eselu will lead his Hālau

Hula Ke Kai O Kahiki with added Hawaiian flavor. Ben Arcangel will blend in Javanese influenee with two solos Espiritu describes as "very traditional." Multi Hōkū winner Kawai Cockett

will stabilize the Hawaiian sense of plaee with his robust vocals - one of the very best in traditional Hawaiian. "Men dancing is a biennial performance," said Espiritu, noting that this third performancemarks his theatre's sixth year. "īt's rare to have so many men in so many different genres on one stage, What I love most about this show is watching the performers backstage watching other dancers. There's a lot of respect and mutual admiration," he said. This August, look for a collaboration of Tau Dance Theatre and Hālau O Kekuhi titled "Hānau ka Moku: an īsland is Born," a tribute to Lō'ihi, the island-in-the-making off Puna on Hawai'i. That production will be at the Maui ,Arts and Cultural Center in Kahului. uMen Dancing " will take stage Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10, at Hawai'i Theatre. Tickets are $18-$28, and may be ordered by calling 528-0506. ■

Hanana Kūikawā

Peter Rockforcl Espiritu, Squire F. Colclwell einel Quinn Allen perforrn "The Burning of Hōpoe."

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