Enjoy a live dance performance, a conversation about art and dance, and more as we celebrate “Dancing Shoes,” an artwork by Los Angeles-based artist Michael Rippens at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 in the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art. Rippens will be joined by Malaya, a celebrated ensemble of traditional Filipino dancers who will perform Pandanggo sa Ilaw and Tinikling, the dance that inspired his work. Originating in the Visayas islands of the Philippines, Tinikling challenges the dancers to avoid a pair of bamboo poles slapped together rhythmically at the height of their ankles.
Sining at Sayaw will feature dancers Brian Arellano, Cherryl Davis, Liana de Guzman, Lisa de Guzman, and Reggie de Guzman. There will be a Q&A after their performance, and artist Michael Rippens will speak about his work.
The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Parking on the UNLV Maryland Parkway campus around the Museum is free on weekends. “Dancing Shoes” is on view in Living Here, an exhibition supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is generously provided by Evan Louie, Bill Shihara, and the Lieutenant Erik Lloyd Family.
About Michael Rippens
Michael Rippens is a multidisciplinary artist whose work focuses on public, participatory, and socially-engaged art projects. Employing a range of media including performance, audio, video, installation and sculpture, he considers issues surrounding systemic inequities, and imagines alternative ways to bridge gaps in existing structures. As a biracial Filipino-American, Rippens draws inspiration from his personal and family history to explore multiple—and multilayered—backgrounds and perspectives, engage with diverse communities, and amplify unheard narratives. Rippens earned a BFA in painting from Pratt Institute in New York. He has exhibited his work and created performances across the United States. He lives and works in Los Angeles.
About Malaya
Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts is a Los Angeles-based ensemble of performing artists, dancers, and musicians. In Tagalog, malaya means "to be free." Malaya represents the performers’ freedom to choose an identity as Filipino Americans, embracing their ancestral and present culture. Malaya is dedicated to the enrichment and artistic practice of traditional folk dance in a new and inspiring way for future generations.
Malaya’s practice is based on three principals:
- Practice the traditional Filipino performing arts with integrity and commitment to research.
- Further the cultural exposure of folkloric education to a local inter-generational Filipino-American community.
- Foster a legacy of innovation and artistic creation that bridges intercultural understanding.
Driven by commitment to growth, inclusivity and innovative artistry, Malaya strives to exceed expectations in exploring ways of telling their story through the lens of the Filipino American experience.
