SAT NOV 17  Gateway Dance Theatre Gala Concert & Reception 

 celebrating 35 years

Saturday Nov 17,2007

Reception 6:30PM, Concert 7:30PM

Drake University Harmon Hall of Performing Arts

 2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

Seating is limited.

Tickets $25 at the door, $20 for advance purchase and GDT members, group discounts for 10 or more at $18.00.  Tickets available on line at Iowatix.com 515-277-3727,  and at Zanzibar Coffee 28th & Ingersoll, Zumi 42nd & University, India Star 56th and Douglas, Namaste India 75th & Douglas.

The event celebrating 35 years is a fund raising event to continue GDT's mission: to provide education, training and outreach programs to promote inter cultural awareness and an appreciation of diversity through professionally directed experiences.

The performance will premiere "Water is Life", a new work that uses the driving universal sound of  both Trilok Gurtu composer and master percussionist, and Ravi Shankar- their music that illustrates the common musical ground shared between the Indian and African cultures.  GDT explores the theme 'Water is Life' (to eii be ' iina at e) a Navajo saying, and a quote from Mahatma Gandhi ' this water is not only for me. It belongs to everyone - women, men, birds, animals, plants. It cannot be consumed greedily by one or few.'  GDT explores and expresses this theme - the Great Spirit/Creator that calms the turbulent water, the religious water rituals that use sanctified water, and working together to protect this life-giving element, water.  GDT will also revive the classic 1980 signature piece "Gospel Suite" expressing the emotions of African-American religious music. Juxtaposed with these two works is an eclectic mosaic mix - African inspired dance by the children's ensemble, India folk and classical dance, Middle East Egyptian dance  and  cross cultural live music by D.I.M.E. /Des Moines  Iowa Music Ensemble a group produced by GDT.  D.I.M.E. features Indian flute, jazz Saxophone and wind instruments, India and African drums, and flamenco guitar.