By Daily Press staff
A Malibu-based dance company, headed by an adjunct Santa Monica College professor Rebecca Yewell-Witjas, is making history by being the first group of Americans in nearly two decades performing at the annual UNESCO World Congress of Dance held next week on a Greek island.
“The U.S. hasn’t been involved with UNESCO for about 18 years.” said Yewell- Witjas. “We will be the only Americans performing artistic work there.”
The World Congress is the largest gathering of dance specialists worldwide and participation is by invitation only. Last year’s congress was attended by 450 specialists from 40 countries.
LA Dances is a partnership between SMC and Pepperdine University in Malibu that Yewell-Witjas, who teaches at both institutions, started last year. The group will perform at the international gathering Nov. 9-13 in Cyprus.
UNESCO’S global efforts include promoting cultural diversity and promoting freedom of expression. A member of the council’s advisory board, Yewell-Witjas wanted to start a dance troupe that would reflect UNESCO’s mission. With the help of friends and colleagues, she was able to gather a group of dancers that includes SMC and Pepperdine students, officials said.
The troupe consists of dancers ranging from 20 to 40 years of age, and includes both students and seasoned professionals. The group sealed its spot in the competition when it submitted a DVD audition, titled “White Light,” containing hip hop, ballet, and modern dance to the theme of Bach’s 3rd Brandenburg Concerto.
An experienced choreographer, Yewell-Witjas founded two professional dance companies and choreographed for the stage, television and film.
The dance troupe raised about $60,000 from public grants and private donations to pay for travel, food and lodging.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 4, 2005. Read the original PDF.