Leïla Ka/Pode Ser

Paris-based Leïla Ka/Pode Ser has its USA debut at the University of Rochester’s Sloan Performing Arts Center as part of the Rochester Fringe Festival.

Sloan Performing Arts Center

ROCHESTER, NY— Award-winning, Paris-based Leïla Ka ventures into raw dialogue, through diverse choreographic languages, in search of the multiple identities that constitute a person. Entering dance through hip-hop and later performing for Maguy Marin, Leïla Ka confronts the relationship to self, others and society, throwing herself into a never-ending struggle in her acclaimed solo Pode Ser. Paired with the first prize winning work of the Paris Contest Danse Élargie, the quintet Bouffées “impresses with her mastery and the originality of her gestural language” (Res Musica, 06/22). The program is rounded out with a duet that “is an excellent, mesmerizing, thought-out and precisely performed performance, with original, eye-catching choreography” (Mirosław Baran, Poland).

Missy Pfohl Smith, director of the Program of Dance and Movement, saw the work of Leïla Ka in France in 2022 and says “Leïla Ka is as impressive a performer as she is a choreographer. Her work is gripping, dynamic, and emotional, and takes on universal topics in personal ways. I am honored to have the University of Rochester be the first to present her work in the United States.” Smith was able to secure funding through FUSED - French U.S. Exchange in Dance, a program of Villa Albertine Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the U.S. "Villa Albertine is excited and proud to support Leïla Ka's U.S. premiere at the University of Rochester as part of Rochester Fringe Festival and Albertine Dance Season. With her bold exploration of the feminine body through solo and group pieces, Leïla Ka embodies the spirit of a new generation of French choreographers who are pushing boundaries through their art," stated Gaëtan Bruel, Director of Villa Albertine.

University of Rochester’s Program of Dance and Movement proudly presents Leïla Ka’s USA debut. This engagement is part of the Albertine Dance Season and has received support from Villa Albertine Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the U.S. The engagement is also made possible by the UR Program of Dance and Movement, the UR Institute for the Performing Arts, The Humanities Corridor and the UR Department of Health Humanities and Bioethics.

Two Performances, in conjunction with the Rochester Fringe Festival:

Thursday, September 14 at 7 p.m.
Friday, September 15 at 6 p.m.
Free Admission on a first-come, first-serve basis

Sloan Performing Arts Center
407 Alumni Road
Rochester, NY 14627

Limited parking is available via Passport Parking. All parking lots on campus are free starting at 7 p.m.

For questions, email Missy Pfohl Smith at m.p.smith@rochester.edu.