Dance--Performance

Mythical creatures gallop across the stage, larger-than-life roses bloom to music, and the birds of summer come out to play when dancers with Momix, the acclaimed company of dancer-illusionists led by famed choreographer Moses Pendleton, bring their newest work “Botanica” to the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana’s (PASA) mainstage series at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 19 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

For more than 25 years, Momix has been celebrated for presenting work of exceptional inventiveness and physical beauty. Known internationally for its ability to conjure a world of surrealistic images using props, light, shadow, humor and the human body, Momix, is a Connecticut-based company of dancer-illusionists under the direction of Moses Pendleton. In addition to stage performances world-wide, Momix has worked on special projects in film and in television, including perfor mances on Antenne II in France and five Italian RAI television features broadcast to 55 coun tries.

Tickets for Momix are available through TicketMaster outlets by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or online at www.pasa-online.org. Student and group discounts are available.

This performance and all activities in association with Momix are sponsored by Cox Communications, Moss Motors and Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. Additionally supported is provided by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts.

Momix “Botanica” is an exploration of the delicate world of nature through a spectacular blend of theatre, athleticism and movement bringing show goers along on a fantastic visual journey.  The Times Union says, “Earthly and otherworldly at once— (Botanica) it is a magnificent vision of the everyday miracles around us.”

“Momix Botanica is inspired by everyday things found in the natural world,” says, Jackie Lyle, PASA Creative Director. “From plants, to animals, to the change of seasons, the beauty of nature is celebrated through this performance.” Lyle continues, “This show is great for all ages and is a great opportunity for parents and children to experience dance at its best.”

The company was featured in PBS’s Dance in America series and selected to represent the United States at the European Cultural Center at Delphi. Momix dancers Cynthia Quinn and Karl Baumann played the role of “Bluey” in the film FX II, under the direction of Moses Pendleton. The company is featured on a Decca Records laser disc, appearing with Charles Dutoit and the Montreal Symphony in the Rhombus Media film of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, winner of an International Emmy for Best Performing Arts Special. Momix was also featured in one of the first IMAX films in 3-D, IMAGINE, which premiered at the Taejon Expo 93 and was subsequently released at IMAX theaters world-wide. In 2004, “White Widow”, co-choreographed by Moses Pendleton and Cynthia Quinn, was featured in Robert Altman’s movie, The Company.

 “Momix is well-known for creating beautiful, thought-provoking, choreography that challenge audiences to open their minds and let their imaginations take over. This performance will take our audience on a journey into a magical world through dance,” says Lyle.

 In addition to the evening performance, Momix will perform in a daytime performance for middle and high school students at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 20 at the Heymann Center. Interested teachers and principals can register their students through the PASA office at (337) 237-2787. PASA will also host several free Momix inspired outreach activities including a native and edible plant lecture at the Iberia Parish Library Main Branch, a floral display by the Lafayette Garden Club at the Heymann Center, and a celebration of Pi Keohavong, a New Iberia native and former principal dancer with Momix. The complete schedule of activities is available at www.pasaonline.org or by calling 337-237-2787.

For more information about the 2010-2011 PASA series, visit www.pasaonline.org or call 337- 237-2787.