(Mar 21) - The Dance Salad Festival is a premier event for contemporary dance, and it will be held in Houston from April 5 to 7, reaching its 17th edition. The Italian group of Contemporary Dance "Spellbound" will participate proposing a breathtaking performance. The company, based in Rome, will present a series of new choreography by Mauro Astolfi, founder and artistic director of Spellbound. Founded in 1994/1995, Spellbound is considered one of the best contemporary dance groups thanks to its unique style and to the absolute excellence of its dancers. The dance style of the group is characterized by a constant experimentation that has fascinated the public of the major Festivals in the world. At the Dance Salad Festival they will share the stage with the most important contemporary dance groups from around the world, such as the English National Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada. There are three competition categories: Nafas, Downshifting and Lost for Words. (Ram/Peg)

DANCE SALAD FESTIVAL: SPREADING THE DANCE CULTURE
The Dance Salad Festival is a project of the Houston International Dance Coalition, a nonprofit organization committed to a multi-cultural presentation of diverse dance disciplines at the highest professional level.. Artistically, Dance Salad performances are conceived as three carefully woven evenings of dance from well-known and emerging choreographers. Dance Salad Festival has evolved into a compelling series of international concerts and community outreach programs. The Choreographers' Forum and the film of Festival highlights, A Touring Taste of Dance Salad Festival are co-sponsored by the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. The Afternoon Student Concert enables high school students to learn more about dance and see the Opening Night dress rehearsal. The Film and Lecture program is presented in schools, libraries and other venues throughout the community all year long.