Among performers is also second generation Croatian, NADA KHODLOVA. PURE generously contributes to many not-for-profit groups with their performance.
Sunday July 17 2005: Simultaneous Performances in 7 U.S. Cities
Processions in 7 US Cities on the anniversary of when PURE first went public in 2004.
A group of 32 dancers and musicians known as PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment) will process through the streets of lower Manhattan on Sunday July 17th as part of an event that involves simultaneous performances in 7 U.S. cities including Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Lafayette-IN, Traverse City, MI.
How it began ...
PURE was founded in New York one year ago by a group of dancers and musicians committed to promoting community and peace through publicly sharing their art outside of traditional performance venues. PURE's commitment to community is also reflected by the diversity of its dancers (who are all women) and its musicians (both men and women). The group is made up of a mix of professional and amateur performers of all ages, races, and sizes, with varied backgrounds and experience, who have come together united by a common goal. After the group's debut on July 17, 2004, people around the U.S. and the world were inspired by the power of PURE's message. Multiple PURE branches have started up around the U.S. over the past year and interest continues to grow. On July 17th all the national branches will dance simultaneously with the New York PURE branch in their home cities.
The New York PURE route traces through lower Manhattan on Sunday, July 17th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. starting at the East Coast Memorial in Battery Park and ending at City Hall. The event will feature a procession of dancing and drumming as well as a series of site specific choreographies. The group will visit a series of sites in downtown Manhattan that are significant to the early development of New York City as well as its history of immigration and cultural diversity. These sites will include the National Museum of the American Indian, the World Trade Center site, City Hall Park, and several locations in Battery Park between the East Coast Memorial to WWI & WWII veterans and the Irish Hunger Memorial.
Visit www.puredance.org for exact route information for all the branches...
The theme of cultural diversity is central to PURE's mission. Kaeshi Chai, professional dancer and PURE facilitator, explains, "Throughout the ages and across cultures, dance and music have drawn people together both spiritually and physically. In our own city, PURE participants aim to bring attention to the power of community through ancient traditions of dance and ritual. The fluid blending of Middle Eastern, Chinese, Romani (Gypsy), Israeli Folk, Flamenco and Indian dance movements in our choreographies is representative of the world solidarity we seek to affirm in the PURE experience."
The history of New York City as a haven and meeting place for immigrants from around the world is an important example of cultural tolerance. The city has also been the site of much cultural misunderstanding and violence, most tragically displayed on September 11, 2001. PURE hopes to remind spectators of this rich history and the responsibilities that go along with it. "We want to inspire individuals to take a moment and reflect on what they can do or give in the spirit of peace," says PURE percussionist and musical director Brad MacDonald. "In the long run, each small gesture contributes to the strength and solidarity we all hope for in our local and global communities."
