New Dance Inspired by 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami That Ravaged Japan to Premiere in Dallas

A new dance choreographed by Takehiro "Take" Ueyama pays tribute to the victims of a devastating event in recent Japanese history. The 2011 earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan killed some 16,000 people and destroyed over 120,000 buildings. Over 2,500 people are still reported missing.To honor these souls, Ueyama created "In the Sea of Heaven." He calls the piece a fairy tale that transforms the victims into angels. Dancers are featured in sustained motion and embrace their collective strength. "In Japan, there is a word call Ma. It's a powerful silence," Ueyama said in a news release. "Sometimes silence can be very powerful. And sometimes physicality and a lot of activity can be very powerful, so I am combining both."Born and raised in Toyko, Ueyama came to the U.S. in 1991 to attend The Juilliard School. He toured as a dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company before starting TAKE Dance in 2005. He will present the world premiere of "In the Sea of Heaven" on Friday and Saturday as part of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre's "Encore! Rising Excellence" series. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. in Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St. in Dallas. For tickets, call 214-880-0202 or visit attpac.org.Buddhist arts  Continue reading...