TAINO THEATRE
WELCOMES YOU
A Dynamic Theatre
The mission of Taino Theatre is to tell the stories of urban New Yorkers to a wide audience in an effort to create unity and resist social injustices. Our focus is to bring light to pressing sociopolitical, socioeconomic, and human issues through mixed media work. We will accomplish this mission by engaging an ethnically rich mixture of dancers, singers, movers, wordsmiths, writers, actors, and poets to develop a beautifully complex portrait of humanity that touches audiences and performers alike.
BULLY THE BULLY: ARTISTS AGAINST HATE
Thursday October 24th, 2019
Innately, we are all the same. There is little that differentiates us in terms of bones and matter and DNA - but there is, always has been, and maybe always will be a yearning for us to be different from one another. While some choose to see differences as positive and contributing to a full and well rounded human society, some choose to bully those who step away from their norms.
An original mixed media work featuring poets, scenes, and dance, this show drives home the importance of human connection and kindness in our charged political climate.
BULLY THE BULLY: ARTISTS AGAINST HATE
January 17th, 2020
Taino Theatre's smash hit "Bully the Bully: Artists Against Hate" is back for it's third run!
An original mixed media work featuring poets, scenes, and dance, this show drives home the importance of human connection and kindness in our charged political climate.
Taino Theatre's Social and Emotional Learning Through the Arts Initiative, or SELTA, features the talented students of Garden School of Queens. These students grow their confidence, social skills, and activism through a mentoring program run by Israel Martinez, Director and founder of Taino Theatre alongside the school's English department.
A show not to be missed, get your tickets now!
Puerto Rican roots and Latin influence in music and art have been the basis for Israel Martinez´s work. Born in the South Bronx, surrounded by the rich Puerto Rican culture, Israel was brought up with the sounds, smells and vibrancy of his Latin heritage. Holidays and family gatherings were a time for impromptu jam sessions where Israel learned to dance and play percussion instruments. As a child, he often performed on stage with his father, Israel "Chamaco" Martinez, lead singer for the Salsa band, Batiz y su Orquesta Tropicana.
At the age of 13 Israel began dancing and developed his skills in Up–Rock, Pop´n Lock, Freestyle and Loft. At 19, he studied jazz under Maria Torres and joined Fred Astaire Dance studios as a young teacher in training. By age 21 he became a choreographer and by age 27 opened Martinez Dance Studios, which has been successfully running for 25 years.
In 2001 Israel founded Taino Dance Theater. Known for bringing together artists from across the dance industry, the company’s work featured movement inspired by many cultures. Salsa, Hip Hop, House, Pop&Lock, Flamenco, and Jazz, created an ethnically rich experience for audiences. The company’s premier show, “Raices: A New Beginning” preformed to sold out audiences across the New York City area including the Teatro Si, Stardust, and Newark Symphony Hall. Additional choreographer credits include the Latin Grammy Awards and television show Club La Bomba where he acted as host along side Sofia Vergara for three and a half years.
Israel continues to live by his "Performance-Based Living" approach, emphasizing healthy, active lifestyles through dance. He continues to study acting, writing, and martial arts in addition to teaching and hosting events.
Looking forward, Israel is writing a play to premier under his newly developed Taino Theatre. “Bully the Bully: Artists Against Hate” will feature song, dance, scenes and poetry told through his trademark multicultural lens.
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