BORDERLESS

A multicultural dance theatre performance with live music presented June 28-29, 2024

Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre presented the premiere of Borderless at the Draylen Mason Music Studio at KMFA Classical 89.5 in Austin, TX. For this highly collaborative project, AADT’s critically-acclaimed Founding Artistic and Producing Director Andrea Ariel brought together diverse multicultural artists and their ensembles to present an exhilarating evening of dance, theater and live music.

The performances created a “borderless” space for audiences to experience a rich collection of stories and experiences expressed through dance, theater and music centered around these questions: What connects us and what disconnects as humans across ethnicities and cultures? Each of the artistic partners created new works around these inquiries with their ensembles (and other artists) that were woven together through choreography and music created in a collaborative process with artistic direction by Andrea Ariel.

The key artistic partners featured in the project include Anuradha Naimpally (Austin Dance India), Luis Ordaz Gutiérrez (Proyecto Teatro), Sunny Shen (Shen Jun Movement Effect), and Ciceley Fullylove (Independent dancer, choreographer and singer) and musicians/composers Frederico7, Claude McCan, Bruno Vinezof, Alán Uribe (members of Frederico7 y Los Primes and several other bands) and Rey Arteaga (Son y No Son). The project explores new experimentations within a collaborative creative process with a focus on multicultural expression and brought an inspiring experience to audiences.

The dances explored common threads of traditions that bridge our past and present, passed down through ritual, food, customs, and music; the community and shared joy experienced on a dancefloor through the anticipation of the beat and the collective groove; and the meaning of home, rebellion, and longing for freedom amidst family obligations, delving into the exploration of tradition versus modernity.

“The project expands and enriches my connections and conversations with these highly talented artists who I have brought together to create this collective work,” says Andrea Ariel.

Reviews of Borderless:

CTX Live Theatre review by David Glen Robinson, “Spectacular show.”

“Borders aren’t just the boundary lines between nations. Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre explored the many meanings of the term and how at the center of the concept borders divide. Hence the title Borderless and the theme of overcoming divisions among people.”

Austin Chronicle review by Cat McCarrey, “This short-run dance program showcased astounding talent.”

“A few things emerge in every culture: language, social structures, and, of course, the power of dance. In Borderless, local choreographer Andrea Ariel collaborated with some truly stellar local dancers and musicians to weave a tapestry of universal connections.”

Review by Gauri Chandna and The Foundations TV, “Borderless – A Fusion of Cultures Through Dance.”

“The audiences of Austin recently witnessed the mesmerizing production of Borderless, where four diverse cultural stories came to life through dance. Directed by Andrea Ariel, this 80-minute performance featured powerful pieces by Ciceley Fullylove, Anuradha Naimpally, Luis Ordaz Gutiérrez, and Jun “Sunny” Shen. The event explored themes of tradition, community, identity, and timeless human connection. With live music and heartfelt performances, Borderless left a lasting impression on all who experienced it.”

Here is a beautiful video feature of Borderless by The Foundations TV