Bringing together artists from Central America and the nation’s capital,  VSA Guatemala’s Youth Dance Company and Maryland’s Wild Zappers contrast the flash and spirit of traditional flamenco with the contemporary jazz/funk/hip-hop of the United States. Wild Zappers, an all-deaf male dance company--founded by Discovery Theater favorite Fred Beam,--perform with the all-female, all-deaf dance group from Guatemala.

A Closer Look—About the Performers
Artes Muy Especiales/VSA Guatemala became an official member of the VSA affiliate network in May 1994.  They work to promote the educational and cultural benefits of the arts for people with disabilities.  The organization provides programs in music, dance, wheelchair dance, and the visual arts, including workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and festivals.  These activities have an empowering effect on participants' lives, facilitating their integration into their communities.  Artes Muy Especiales also specializes in designing and producing custom clothing from traditional Guatemalan cloth.

The Wild Zappers of Invisible Hands Inc., an all-deaf male professional dance company, mix high-energy dance styles and American Sign Language.  This uplifting company boasts high accolades and worldwide loyal fans. The Wild Zappers' goal is to build bridges between the deaf and hearing communities.  Prior performance highlights include the Kennedy Center, Gallaudet University, Apollo Theater in New York, and international tours to Japan, Jamaica, and the Virgin Islands.  The Washington Post has said that the Wild Zappers "have bravado, bounce, and discipline.  They are streetwise, which translates into immediacy on stage, lending jazz dance, hip-hop, voguing, and other bits of pop…they demand attention."

About the 2010 International VSA Festival
This performance is presented as part of the 2010 International VSA Festival.  From June 6–12, 2010, VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, will bring together artists, educators, researchers, and policy makers with disabilities from around the world for a multicultural celebration of the arts and education. The Festival will feature visual, performing, literary, media artists, and a guest list that includes more than 2,000 participants from all corners of the globe.

For more information about the Festival, please click here.