A&M International Presents Benefit Dance Concerts Jan. 20-22

The Texas A&M International University Dance Department will present three benefit dance concerts featuring the music of Ottmar Liebert and the Gipsy Kings Jan. 20, 21, and 22 at the Laredo Little Theatre, 4802 Thomas Avenue.

Each "An Evening with Ottmar Liebert and the Gipsy Kings" will begin with a Wine and Cheese Reception, courtesy of Esteban Ventura and Time Warner Communications, from 7:15 - 8 p.m. The concert will follow at 8 p.m.

Featured performers will be A&M International's Classical Spanish Ballet Troupe with a guest appearance by guitarist Roberto Cruz III.

Admission is $10 per person and proceeds will help fund student scholarships and travel to the American College Dance Festival.

Reservations may be made by calling 326-2640 or 727-0935. Tickets, printed courtesy of Juan Garza and Print X Press, may also be purchased before the event from members of A&M International's Classical Spanish Ballet Troupe. If seating is available, tickets will also be sold at the door.

Concert director Bede Leyendecker, assistant professor of dance at A&M International, said the concert promises to be a spectacular event.

"The concert will feature 22 dancers and the sounds of their heelwork on the wooden stage will be truly powerful. The program will range from the classical, to more traditional flamenco and will highlight the more modern pieces choreographed to the music of Ottmar Liebert and The Gipsy Kings. It will be a delightful program," noted Leyendecker.

Ottmar Liebert music to be featured in the concert includes "Women Walking" and "Duende del Amor."

Featured music by the Gipsy Kings includes "Peces En El Rio," "Volare," "Bailame," plus "The Best of the Gipsy Kings Medley."

The concert will also feature dances performed to traditional flamenco music such as "El Garrotin," "Alegrias," and "Tanguillos De Cadiz." Completing the program are pieces titled "La Leyenda Del Beso," "La Vida Breve," "La Boda de Luis Alonzo," "Silueta," a solo titled "Duende"performed by Elizabeth Nuñez to the poetry by Rose Rodriguez Rabin, and two guitar solos.

Performers include A&M International dance students Gladys Cardenas, Rosie Escobedo, Claudia Espinoza, Janie Gonzalez, Mamie Gutierrez, Patti Gutierrez, Claudia Hernandez, Monica Holguin, Oscar Hurtado, Mary Jo Lopez, Patti Lucio, David Mancilla, Karina Mendoza, Elizabeth Nuñez, Rose Rabin, Jessica Ramon, Lindsey Rendon, Laura Rodriguez, Diana Sanchez, Athena Valdez, and Brissa Vela; Leyendecker; and guest guitarist Roberto Cruz III.

For more information or for reservations, contact Leyendecker at 326-2640 or 727-0935. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu