Dance, Around the World

Recently, Ms. Day has really been doing her best to celebrate India — from this side of the world, that is. As much as she would like to travel to the faraway land, she just can't seem to save enough paneer, as it were. But she does eat at an Indian food buffet at least once a week (so many bright flavors!), she's been enjoying the gifts her friend brought back from a yoga retreat in the northern part of the country (spices and purses and jewelry, oh my!), and she has been listening to the Beatles albums from their raga-ish period. Despite her efforts, she's found that all of this isn't quite enough, which is why she'll be shimmying by Dances of India's twelfth annual St. Louis Dance Festival Showcase. During this momentous movement macrocosm, held at Washington University's Edison Theatre (6445 Forsyth Boulevard), Day certainly will get a taste of India, but she also will enjoy a sampling of Spain via flamenco, some south-of-the-border sass thanks to salsa and even some good ol' fashioned American clogging. This festival is like a buffet of sorts, offering up just about any style of dance you can imagine, and all from local companies. The performances are held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday (May 5 through 7), and every show offers a different lineup. Call 314-534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com to purchase tickets ($20 to $25), and visit www.dancesofindiastlouis.org for a listing of participating companies.
May 5-7, 2011