TITAS Presents

The performance has a Cirque vibe to it. Or maybe Cirque has a Titus vibe to it..........A lot of emphasis on costumes, illusions and light - a little like shadow puppets, although that description greatly downplays the complexity of the choreography. I was truly transported to rain forests with long legged creepy crawlies, colorful lizards and exotic birds. It was like nothing I have ever seen before, which isn't saying much in the grand scheme of things, but I remain delighted nonetheless. Even the day after I am still floating around the house, thinking about it. You should go.

One of the most innovative dance and music series in North Texas. Charles Santos, the Director of TITAS, searches the globe to bring the finest performing art events to the Winspear and the Dallas Performance Hall. I am a season subscriber and I am constantly amazed at the high caliber of each season. Highlights have included Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, Pilobolus and genius composer Philip Glass.

In the mood to break out of the norm and make your friends jealous all at the same time? Then TITAS is for you. I have been going to TITAS events for the last five years and have NEVER been disappointed. (Although I must admit that I definitely lean towards the musical side more than the dance side of TITAS.) TITAS brings unique and eclectic performers such as East Village Opera Company, The Afro-Cuban All-Stars, Wanda Sykes and India Arie to Dallas...and for b/t $34.00-$59.00 a seat. (Much less than the average ticket in town.) So why did I pick now to finally write about TITAS; The Afro-Cuban All-Star show...it was fantastic. And India Arie is right around the corner. Put it on the calendar peeps!The shows are always different and the vibe is fun. You may end up in the aisle dancing with your neighbor. Go, have fun and be open to what TITAS has to offer. You won't be sorry! Check their website often as they sometimes add great last minute shows to the lineup. Note: Currently TITAS is housed in the McFarlin Auditorium on SMU's campus. But they are slated to move to the new Dallas Center For The Performing Arts In Fall '09. My advice is to head out now as this is a fantastic, intimate venue where there isn't a bad seat in the house. When they move all bets are off. Insider tip: Take advantage of 50% off Student Rush tickets available 1 1/2 hours before the performance with a Valid Student ID. (Grad and Law Students can take advantage of this no problem.)

Since the first reviewer focused primarily on TITAS music, let me assure you that TITAS dance performance are also incredible.A lot of people are afraid of contemporary dance, and I totally understand why. I never had any interest in it myself until I helped a contemporary dance company rebrand themselves as part of a graduate school project. The introduction to the world of contemporary dance was one of the best things I got out of my entire grad school experience.First, I should point out that the term contemporary dance can apply to a huge range of performance (and TITAS brings artists from all across the spectrum). Some groups do contemporary ballet, which often has pretty strong ties to traditional ballet (but with a twist). Others do something that's harder to describe; I often find myself wondering how these people make their bodies do such things. And some contemporary dance groups do something that seems like it's as much acrobatics as it is dance.One thing every TITAS performance I've seen has in common is amazing athleticism. The dancers do incredibly things with their bodies, and even if you don't "get" the dance, you'll still find yourself amazed by their movement.If it's your first venture into contemporary dance, read up about the groups TITAS is bringing in (you can often find video clips that will give you good feel for the type of dance they do). See which performances looks the most appealing and try those first. Once you get more comfortable with it, though, branch out. I've never been disappointed by a TITAS performance.

TITAS Presents is a company that presents around 10 high culture entertainment events each year. These are primarily performing arts of dance/ballet. But, there are always some exciting musical acts as well. They do this in association with the ATT Performing Arts Center. Because the performances can be at the Winspear, the Wylie or other facilities in the Arts District, you want to check the performance location. the address listed here is for the company offices, which are close, but not where the performances are held. TITAS Presents has been around for a long time, but always brings fresh and exciting performances. Trust me, you want to go check it out.