Luna Negra Dance Theater is a dance ensemble that integrates traditional Latin dances, rich musical heritage, folkloric traditions of Latino cultures as well as contemporary movements without using traditional folkloric dress nor dancing strictly traditional dance styles such as Flamenco, Tango or Salsa. It is based in Chicago, Illinois and was founded by Eduardo Vilaro in 1999 after he graduated from a Master's Degree program at Columbia College. It focuses on the work of Latin choreographers. Ron DeJesus, Vicente Nebrada, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, and Pedro Ruiz are among the choreographers presented by Luna Negra. The company has performed in Chicago at Ravinia Festival, The Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Symphony Center, The Dance Center of Columbia College, Dance Chicago, the Ruth Page Dance Series locally and had toured nationally and internationally to places such as Panama and Mexico. The dance ensemble made its New York City debut at the New Victory Theater in January 2008.
When the Harris Theater opened in 2003, it provided an aspiration for small dance companies such as Luna Negra. Luna Negra quickly achieved its goal of performing there, and it will even celebrate the start of its tenth season with a performance at the Harris Theater on September 26 and 27, 2008. In past seasons, it has co-habitated with the Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Concert Dance Inc. at Ravinia Festival. The company has also performed on the schedule at Ravinia without these other Chicago dance companies. In its summer 2008 season, Luna Negra was the opening performance for Ravinia Festival.
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