Whittier College News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: 562-907-4912 or mediarelations@whittier.edu.

DANZA FLORICANTO/USA TO PERFORM “NAVIDAD EN WHITTIER”

WHITTIER, CA (NOVEMBER 7, 2006) – Danza Floricanto/USA brings Navidad en Whittier, a holiday celebration, to campus Sunday, December 17 at 7 p.m., Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, 13406 Philadelphia St. $15. $10 students/seniors. 907-4203.

Navidad en Whittier is an exploration of traditional Mexican music and dance through the memories of a family’s grandmother (abuelita) who wants to keep her traditions alive. The evening will include traditional posadas, conchero dancing in honor of the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe, and schotises that were once common. Holiday celebrations from Tabasco, Yucatan, Chiapas and Jalisco will also be highlighted. The evening culminates with the bursting of the piñata. The contemporary dances and compositions are created by Danza Floricanto/USA.

Danza Floricanto/USA was founded in 1975 to share and preserve Mexican folk dance and music. Under the direction of Gema Sandoval, the performance group mounts works dealing with contemporary issues in Mexico as well as those facing Mexican Americans in the United States. Past works have included, The Aguila Real Project, Latino LA and Mothers and Daughters.

Founded by Quakers in 1887, Whittier College is an independent, four-year college offering a traditional liberal arts program integrated with both professional and pre-professional courses of study. With an emphasis on diversity, community, and curricular innovation, the College’s primary mission is to endow students with the education, skills, and values appropriate for global leadership and service.

Whittier College, 13406 Philadelphia St., Whittier, CA 90608-0634