Two South County dancers are performing in a new West Coast Urban Dance show that’s said to be unlike any other dance show.
Julian Sena,26, of Chula Vista and Melissa De Jesus, 23, of San Ysidro are both in an ensemble role in the production Beyond Babel, a tale inspired by Romeo & Juliet and current social stories from around the world.
Sena has been dancing for 12 years but Beyond Babel is the Eastlake High School graduate’s first ensemble role.
“It’s my first time being a part of an actual production where I’m dancing for an extended amount of time and I’m also acting,” he said. “So it’s a pretty new experience for me.”
Sena said he is usually performing in dance competitions and was a temporary dancer with Janet Jackson when she came to San Diego for her “Unbreakable Tour.” He’s also a dance instructor.
As part of an ensemble, Sena and De Jesus play a supporting role to Keone and Madrid, the show’s main characters and choreographers.
Sena said he got involved with the production by sending in an audition tape. He got called in for a live audition and ultimately made it on the production.
De Jesus has been dancing since the age of 13. During her ten years of dance, she said she’s never been in a dance show like Beyond Babel.
“This show is not like any dance show,” she said. “This show is much deeper than dance itself.”
De Jesus also plays multiple characters.
De Jesus plays a character who is separated from two of their best friends, plays a person who is in power of authority and also plays a character who is vulnerable.
Beyond Babel can be viewed at The Beyond Babel Theater, 2625 Imperial Ave. in San Diego through Nov. 18. Tickets can be purchased at Beyondbabelshow.com
“I don’t there’s been a dance show like this ever created,” Sena said. “The show is amazing, creative, and mind blowing.”
Beyond Babel is a story about the division of families, friends and a community of people as authorities try to build a wall between them. The production follows two lovers as they reconcile with the rising tensions of a populace cult.
