October 27, 2025
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SMC to Showcase World Dance Traditions and New Work by Alumna

Students will perform pieces representing West African, Flamenco, Ballet, Asian, Hawaiian, Mexican Folklórico, Salsa, and more

Santa Monica College’s Global Motion World Dance Company will present its fall 2025 performance on Nov. 8 and 9 at The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage, featuring traditional and contemporary dance styles from around the world and a new work by SMC alumna and choreographer Jade Lelievre.

The performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at the SMC Performing Arts Center, located at 1310 11th Street in Santa Monica. Students will perform pieces representing West African, Flamenco, Ballet, Asian, Hawaiian, Mexican Folklórico, Salsa, and other world dance traditions.

A highlight of the program is a contemporary ballet piece by Lelievre, a French-born dancer and SMC graduate who trained at the Conservatory of Boulogne-Billancourt before moving to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue a professional dance career. While studying at SMC, she performed with both Global Motion and the Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater. Lelievre now works as a performer and choreographer, developing a somatic healing practice centered on movement and self-discovery.

Founded more than 50 years ago by Judith Douglas, former chair of SMC’s Dance Department, Global Motion was created to showcase the diversity of world dance and provide students with professional performance experience. The company is currently directed by Raquel Ramirez and Sri Susilowati, who also contribute new choreography to the program alongside faculty members Laura Canellias, Keali’i Ceballos, and Angela Jordan.

Guest choreographers include Lelievre and Amayah Woodard (Hip Hop), while student choreographers Lyric Limqueco, Venice West Gonzales, Sonny Lira, and Mar Marroquin will present original works in hip hop, martial arts, and musical theater jazz.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $23 at the door, available through smc.edu/tickets or by calling (310) 434-3005. Parking is free, and seating is first-come, first-served.

Global Motion has performed across California and internationally in China, Italy, Chile, Spain, and France, continuing SMC’s tradition of promoting cultural exchange through dance.

For more information, visit smc.edu/dance or call (310) 434-8763

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