Jamaican Choreographer Celebrates International Women’s Month Through Dance In New York, March 17, 2012

The explosive dance group, Vissi Dance Theater, returns to the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) in southeast Queens tomorrow evening Saturday, March 17.

Under the direction of experienced Jamaican dancer and choreographer, Courtney Ffrench, the multicultural group, dazzles to Jamaican ska, Afro-beat and hip hop among other rhythms.

Vissi’s return to Queens will feature their flagship “The Triangle of Fire” along with repertoire favorites “For Sonia” and “For My Love” in celebration of International Women’s Month.

“Through their craft, Vissi dancers inspire their audiences, and we are delighted that they are returning to our neighborhood,” said Philip Willis, JPAC’s Executive Director, who anticipates an inspiring evening of “joy, artistry and intrigue.”

Founded by Ffrench in 1997, the skilled dancers hail from all over the world, adding to the group’s already rich cultural diversity, and together they create an exciting dynamic on stage.

Centered on drawing out the actor in the dancer as well as the dancer in the actor, Vissi performers  explore urban contemporary art forms, including jazz, modern, West African, funk and ballet.

“We are delighted to once again showcase the creative, first-rate talent of our group to the community in Jamaica, Queens,” said Ffrench, who also serves as the theater manager at JPAC.

Committed to art and artists who use the gift of dance and drama to explore moral and social issues, the Vissi Dance Theater continues to delight audiences with their repertoire from performances at the Borough of Manhattan Community Center’s Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, City College’s Aaron Davis Hall to venues in Sardinia and Porto Rotondo in Italy.

The show, which starts at 7:30 p.m., is set for JPAC’s 400-seat auditorium, located at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue in Queens, where the unique architectural elements of a 19th century church have been incorporated into the construction of a 21st century performing arts theater.

The JPAC facility is easily accessible by public transportation, including bus and subway (E, F, J and Z lines) as well as the LIRR.