On Saturday, Feb. 25, the fully-renovated historic Park Theatre in Cranston will welcome the Ballet Folklórico De Antioquia, Colombia as they embark upon their first United States tour.

The amazing troupe Ballet Folklórico de Antioquia, Colombia is a cultural phenomenon with a 20-year history promoting and celebrating Colombian culture to international audiences. The group is enjoying a rapidly expanding international reputation for its virtuosic expression of Colombian Folklore and its many manifestations in dance and physical theatre; celebrating classical and contemporary performance styles.

In 2008 Ballet Folklórico De Antioquia, Colombia was a special guest at the Beijing Olympic – the first Colombian group to ever participate in such an event as a cultural ambassador to share Colombia’s expressive dance and music traditions with the world.

“The Ballet Folklórico De Antioquia, Colombia has been critically acclaimed for its professionalism, high technical level, and artistic quality,” said Piyush Patel, Owner of the Park Theatre. “As we continue to build the Park Theatre as a multicultural venue and the area’s theatre of choice for world-class performers, we are proud to welcome an organization with such a diverse and emotional history.”

In addition to their performance at the 2008 Olympic Summer Games, the Ballet Folklórico De Antioquia, Colombia has been duly recognized within its field for strengthening Colombian cultural identities. Some of the group’s awards and recognition include: the “Cabe Citar” Gold Medal at the Stylized Folk Olympics in Dijon, France in 1998; the “Ugo Re Capriata” award at the International Folk Dance Festival in Agrigento, Italy in 2003; granted the recognition “Perfección” as a special guest at the 25th Annual International Festival in Drummondville in Quebec, Canada in 2006; and recognized with excellence at the Folkmoot International Festival in North Carolina, U.S.A. in July in 2006.

The performance of the Ballet Folklórico De Antioquia, Colombia is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Feb. 25. Tickets are priced at $25, $35 and $45 and may be purchased through the Theatre’s secure website www.ParkTheatreRI.com or by calling the Box Office at 467-7275.

The Park Theatre was built in 1924 and served as a cultural landmark for nearly eight decades until its closing in 2002. Following seven years and nearly $10 million in renovations, the Park Theatre was reborn in October 2009 as Rhode Island’s newest theatre and performing arts center. As a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art multi-purpose performing arts center, the Park Theatre features concerts, comedy, theatrical performances, opera, dance recitals, children’s and family shows, movies, and more.

Through its extensive renovations, the Park Theatre boasts a larger, deeper stage and 1,000 plush seats that feature arm rests with cup holders and significantly more legroom between rows than most theatres. The facility also includes the Stage Door Restaurant and Lounge, as well as a free parking for all events behind City Hall with professional valet service. For more information visit www.ParkTheatreRI.com.