RDM Presents "The Messenger Dance" - Directed & Choreographed by Belinda James - July 20, 2024

New York City - July 20th, 2024

Robert Morningstar presents an American Modern Dance masterpiece.

THE MESSENGER DANCE
Directed & Choreographed by Belinda James

The Messenger Dance was originally performed in New York City on July 20th, 2007

Director Belinda James wrote:

"The MESSENGER DANCE is an excerpt from my three-act ballet entitled
MDCXXC (1680) about the unacknowledged Pueblo Indian Revolt that took place during the Spanish Inquisition. Without the occurrence of this successful
uprising which was achieved with ingenious strategy the agrarian tribes of the
southwest would have faded into extinction.

As a wrap-around, I show glimpses of the actual route that was taken by
designated running messengers in order to assist in the organization of this
revolt. It is my intention to pay tribute to the bravery of these seventeen year
old warriors who lost their lives when they were captured by Conquistadors
shortly after beginning their mission.

The Indians believe that the spirits of their ancestors reside within the
mesas and sacred mountains and you can actually make out profiles and faces in
these rock formations. You will distinguish groups of people that seem to be
wearing feathers and donning shawls, in the clusters of rocks that are located
several miles apart from each other.

At one point two skulls made of stone, carved by the elements throughout
the years, have invaded the landscape when the focus changes from the land
towards a skyward view, where even the clouds form yet another ominous face.

These images are like an imprint left as a reminder of the horrors of
warfare. And what looks exactly like dripping blood on one of the striated rocks is a landmark that is ironically known as Echo Canyon."
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MESSENGER DANCE
Dancers: Fidel Garcia & Eric Rivera
Composer: Antonin Dvorak
Symphony No. 7 in D Minor Op. 70 - Allegro Maestoso
Videographers: Javier Arellano
Judy Lieff
Nan Melville
Penny Ward