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Frustration over Hurricane Maria fuels dance theatre performance

borinquendancetheatre.org

The Borinquen Dance Theatre is celebrating its 37th anniversary this weekend.

The nonprofit will present "Awaken and Arise," a show inspired by dancers' feelings and frustrations after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. 

Nydia Padilla-Rodriguez is the Founder & Director of the theatre, and says it’s also about the power of expression through dance.

"How you can manage those challenges but overcome those challenges with a sense of purpose, and sense of hope and a sense of being united."

She says many of the performances will reflect the impact of what happens when you people come together to celebrate the richness of the culture of Puerto Rico.

The event also honors Dr. Martin Luther King and the bicentennial celebration of the birthday of Frederick Douglass, with solo performances to represent solidarity and the power of prayer.

Padilla-Rodriguez says they donated tickets to families from Puerto Rico in Rochester as well.

"We will arise even with all of these challenges that we're facing on the island. And that coming together is really a sense of hope. Don’t give up on hope because we're here to support you. And even if we don’t live on the island many of us have family members who live on the island."

The performance takes place Saturday at 7pm at the Hochstein School of Music and Dance, 50 N. Plymouth Ave.