Prepare to relish an exciting and exuberant excursion through the contemporary music and dance of Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East. You will encounter classical, folkloric and experimental dance works accompanied by an eclectic collective of fabulous local musicians.

In Caravan: Cairo to Cordoba Margo Abdo O'Dell collaborates with flamenco dancer and choreographer Colette Illarde to create a vibrant evening length dance concert, which is contemporary in expression, but echoes of the time in Medieval Spain when Jews, Christians, and Muslims deeply influenced and enriched each other's arts, sciences, and daily lives as they lived in close proximity. Tolerance varied according to ruler and to region, but it was an era of relative peace and prosperity for members of all three faiths.

Caravan: Cairo to Cordoba explores how these interactions still influence dance and music and acknowledges how eastern cultures have influenced contemporary western artists. Margo and Colette share deep knowledge of their unique technique and allow natural artistic influences to evolve. The concert will enlighten and surprise all who join the caravan.

Margo Abdo O'Dell's artistic work has been a continuing effort to promote cross-cultural understanding through entertainment and education. An outgrowth of that work is always a celebration and honoring of cultural diversity.

The result of this macro and micro exploration is particularly relevant for communities such as ours - communities who are viewing the enormous changes that occur as new waves of immigrants settle here. We are challenged to view these changes from which we, as a people, can benefit and grow while still being true to our own individual heritage and values.

This production is made possible in part by funds provided by
the St. Paul Travelers Foundation, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council from an appropriation by the Minnesota Legislature, the Jerome Foundation in celebration of the Jerome Hill Centennial and in recognition of the valuable cultural contributions of artists to society and many individual supporters.

Home  /  Classes  /  About the Dance and Music  /  Events  /  Newsletter and Articles  /  About Lebanon  /   Background  /  Speaking and Workshops  

E-mail: