This is my second time directing and choreographing for Transcendence Theater Company in Sonoma California. This time I had the additional support of a wonderful team I have been able to bring from Latin America. Artists who have contributed to the show from their roots by giving it special colors. For me, the participation of artists from Latin America and different parts of the world is extremely important, giving them a voice on new stages is fundamental, because it allows us to get to know the world, its differences and great contributions through art.
Building bridges and generating opportunities is part of who I am as a human being and an artist, and Let’s Dance has allowed me to continue working on my commitment to multicolored art, with different sounds and movements that adds value to the audience’s experience.
The Press Democrat by Dan Taylor / June 1, 2022
Broadway musicals traditionally abound with Latin rhythms, but just how authentic were those show tunes after all? That’s the question New York City director and choreographer Luis Salgado explores in the new Transcendence Theatre Company show “Let’s Dance at the Glen Ellen’s Jack London State Historic Park.
“How diverse are we really, truly allowing ourselves to go?” he wondered aloud. To answer that question, Salgado has recruited a creative team from varied backgrounds to add authenticity, depth and diversity to the Broadway dance numbers included in “Let’s Dance.”
The company for this production features creative contributions from tap and percussion specialist Luis Antonio Vilchez Vargas, both from Peru, as well as associate choreographer Mariana Herrera Juri from Colombia. “My vision with ‘Let’s Dance’ is to bring the flavor of Latin culture to Broadway classics and present a show that is bold, high-energy and embraced by all,” Salgado said.
“Broadway has been increasingly supportive of Latin culture, as we have seen in shows like ‘In the Heights’ and ‘On Your Feet’ on Broadway, and I feel audiences are ready and eager to experience a modern cultural twist to some of Broadway’s most beloved classics.”
Talking’ Broadway Review by Patrick Thomas
Let’s Dance Transcendence Theatre Company
“…from its first quiet moments when birdsong fills the air until its thrilling finale some two hours later, the creators and amazing cast of Let’s Dance seem to have taken it as a solemn responsibility to keep their audience engaged, smiling, and thoroughly entertained. This is a responsibility they not only meet, but exceed as, at the performance I attended, there wasn’t a moment that I wasn’t enthralled by the cast’s dancing (fast, energetic, precise, joyful), the 10-piece band’s thrilling musicianship, the range of strong, tuneful voices, and the imaginative choreography (by TTC veteran Luis Salgado…”
“… There is never a moment where you catch a dancer so caught up by performing Salgado’s demanding choreography that you can almost see them thinking about the next sequence. No, every time you look, no matter how challenging the dance, they are lost in the role they are playing, even if it’s only being a member of the chorus…”
“…Nearly every number the cast performs could be called out as a highlight, but I was especially impressed by the “Sondheim Celebration” that features the fast-paced patter of “Another Hundred People” (from Company), an emotional “Color and Light” (from Sunday in the Park with George), and a powerful rendition by Emily Yates of “Being Alive” (also from Company). And don’t come back late from intermission or you’ll miss the “Drum Solo” that features Luis Antonio Vilchez Vargas on the cajita and cajon, two Latin percussion instruments Vargas plays with great verve, and he also gets the audience involved in a way that had us clapping in rhythm–and laughing at his antics. (Vargas also does some terrific tapping in several other numbers.)…”
