Azul Dance Theatre Presents New Works by Yuki Hasegawa and More at Peridance, 2/2-3

Yuki Hasegawa presents her Azul Dance Theatre in a program of new works by Ms. Hasegawa and guest choreographers Kanako Yokoto and Taiwanese twin dancer/choreographers Hsiao-Ting and Hsiao-Wei Shieh, tonight, February 2 and the 3rd at the Capezio Theater at Peridance, 126 East 13th Street.

New works include Hasegawa's "Mugen," a dance for nine based on folk and traditional Japanese dance, elaborately costumed and utilizing swordplay, fans, and umbrellas. Also featured is the premiere of "Elements" and a repeat of the recently premiered "Return to the River," all set to music by contemporary Asian composers, including Tan Dun. Taiwenese twin sisters Hsiao-Ting Hsieh and Hsiao-Wei Hsieh will perform their new duet, danced to music played live by cellist Nan-Cheng Chen.

Visuals play an important part in Azul's presentations, with attractive, theatrical costuming. There will be a pre-show, interactive multimedia performance by Aaron Sherwood and Kiori Kawai starting fifteen minutes before each show, in which audience members are invited to appear before the camera as part of the visuals.

Yuki's works are informed by her extensive training in different styles of dance, starting with traditional Japanese and including jazz, modern, and tap. A native of Kobe, Japan, Yuki was a busy musical theater actress and dancer at home, also earning at BA in psychology from Kobe College. She moved to NYC in 1998 and continued her dance studies, receiving an MA from NYU. She currently teaches Pilates classes at Peridance.

The performances will take place tonight, February 2 at 8:30 PM and Sunday February 3 at 2:30 PM in the Salvatore Capezio Theater at Peridance, 126 East 13th Street (bet. 3rd & 4th Avenues). Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door; $15 for students/seniors. Reservations: 212.505.0886 or http://elementsazulbpt.me.

For more information, visit www.azuldancetheatre.com.