Youth Dance Workshop

The UC Davis student dance troupe Danzantes del Alma is presenting its 21st annual Youth Dance Workshop, Feb. 7. The program of instruction in folklorico dance is free and open to the public.

Troupe members will be the instructors. Classes are designed primarily for beginners, although intermediate and advanced instruction will also be offered if there is a need.

“We look forward to providing you with exposure to the rich culture of Mexico and to the importance of higher education,” said Anna Fernandez, one of the troupe’s student managers.

Workshop times: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for ages 8 to 18, and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for ages 5 to 7. A performance is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Freeborn Hall, with family and friends invited. Organizers said child care is not available for younger siblings during the early session; however, parents are welcome to attend.

Check-in location is Wellman Hall’s first-floor lounge, and instruction will be in various rooms in Wellman Hall. Preregistration is advised, and same-day sign-ups will be accepted if space is available; enrollment is limited to 100.

Fernandez said participants are welcome to wear traditional or homemade folklore wardrobe or practice skirts. Whatever attire is chosen, make sure it is comfortable, and the same goes for your shoes.

Registration packets in English and Spanish are available from the Student Programs and Activities Center on the fourth floor of the Memorial Union. For more information, contact student managers Fernandez or Elizabeth Talavera, (530) 752-2025 or danzantes@ucdavis.edu.

Traditional Chinese movement

The Department of Theatre and Dance announced that visiting artist Desmond Murray will present a series of workshops Feb. 6-8 on “lishi” and traditional Chinese movement. The workshops are free and open to the public.

According to a news release, the workshops will teach exercises for healthier, less stressful and more balanced lives, and will include instruction in Daoist movement forms.

Murray is principal of the College of Chinese Physical Culture in Europe. He is president of the International Daoist Society, which is the governing body of “weihai lishi quanfa,” an ancient practice that combines breathing techniques and graceful movement.

The workshops are scheduled at the University Club from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 6, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Feb. 7, and a special session on “silk and fan” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 8 (bring your own 4-foot-long piece of lighweight silk or scarf, and a fan). People are invited to attend as many sessions as they wish.

People interested in attending are asked to arrange reservations through Professor Lynette Hunter, lhunter@ucdavis.edu.