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A double major in Tulane’s School of Continuing Studies, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in dance and paralegal studies in 2012.
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I apply for grants, tackle our budget and do the scheduling.”Ĭhoreographer Ordoñez’s day job is rooted in the legal profession. “My aptitude for organization has carried into Mélange. “In my day job, I’m a data analyst as a contractor for the Centers for Disease Control,” said Lambert. Lambert received a Bachelor of Science in cell and molecular biology from the School of Science and Engineering in 2008 and a master’s degree in public health from the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in 2010. Marigny Opera House, Lambert was one of the dancers there.Įach woman has a rather surprising and eclectic background. Later, when Ordoñez was choreographing for the The founders of Mélange met through the Tulane dance community after they both graduated from the university, and ended up working together in two different dance companies. “We try not to ram our ideas down your throat, and we’ve been told repeatedly that we don’t cross that fine line that may alienate those who may not be on board with our ideas … yet!” “Of course, our dances have a point of view, but I think most people would agree we don’t take our productions too far,” said Ordoñez. With America now in an era of what seems to be conflicting and confusing sentiments out of Washington about the future of immigration, the production couldn’t be timelier. Though they arrived amongst a sea of people of conflicting backgrounds, these immigrants somehow managed to assimilate and live the American dream. Nominated four times previously in the Big Easy Foundation’s Tribute to the Classical Arts, Mélange this year won the award for Outstanding Choreography for its production of Journey of Dreamers, an ode to America’s immigrants who passed through Ellis Island. The troupe, whose artistic works center on social justice causes, has been around less than four years, but under the direction of the dynamic duo of artistic director Monica Ordoñez and executive director Alexa Erck Lambert, it has already earned formidable kudos. Their New Orleans–based dance company, called Mélange- French for a mixture-reflects the group’s diverse dancers, both in training and style. Whatever the political climate, entertainment has always served as escapist fare, but it’s the hope of two Tulane graduates that life might just imitate and reflect their particular form of entertainment, as their dance productions become the provocateur for social change. (Photo by Mike Yoder)Įditor’s note: This article appeared first in the June 2018 issue of Tulane magazine. In "Journey of Dreamers" Mélange Dance Company performers tell the story of immigrants coming to America.