An exploration in dance of the little-known cultural legacies of Punjabi-Mexican communities founded in California in the early 20th century inspires the collaboration of Bhangra dancer/choreographer Joti Singh with her company Duniya Dance and Drum Company and Ensambles Ballet Folklorico de San Francisco. Half and Halves takes as its subject matter the establishment and impacts of mixed Punjabi... [read more]

An exploration in dance of the little-known cultural legacies of Punjabi-Mexican communities founded in California in the early 20th century inspires the collaboration of Bhangra dancer/choreographer Joti Singh with her company Duniya Dance and Drum Company and Ensambles Ballet Folklorico de San Francisco. Half and Halves takes as its subject matter the establishment and impacts of mixed Punjabi and Mexican families that began in the early 20th century as a result of strict immigration and marriage laws, social pressures and conventions and gives the story wings within the rich dance forms and histories of these cultures that are central to the story of California and the West. The story holds particular relevance for Americans today as immigration laws and cultural identities are at the forefront of government policy and the news, and the piece takes its name from the slang term for the children of Punjabi-Mexican parents.

The performance features over 26 dancers and live music. The work will feature both Mexican Folklorico dance, as well as Bhangra, a high energy harvest and celebration dance from Punjab, India, exploring themes related to farming life, marriage, immigration, and racial and ethnic discrimination. The choreographers also explore dance in this performance that does not neatly fit into one genre or another, drawing inspiration from the complex cultural identities of these communities and the issues and challenges they faced.

More info and tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/206285!