By Miriam Gershenson
ESCONDIDO, California – The Grand Ritz Theater in Escondido will come alive Feb. 1 with the electrifying beats of DrumatiX, a nationally acclaimed performance company that fuses tap dance, body percussion, and drumming. With two performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the show, Rhythm Delivered, promises to captivate audiences of all ages with its high-energy innovation and rhythmic storytelling.
The driving force behind DrumatiX is founder, artistic director, and choreographer Noa Barankin, a native of Tel Aviv who has dedicated her life to the art of rhythm and movement. Barankin began tap dancing at 12 and transitioned to professional performances in her 20s. Her journey took her from Israel to Boston and ultimately to San Diego, where she established herself as a prominent figure in the rhythmic arts.
Barankin founded DrumatiX in Boston in 2018, where the company quickly gained recognition for its inventive approach to rhythm and storytelling. After facing the challenges of limited paid opportunities in the Boston tap scene, Barankin pivoted toward producing her own shows. The company’s breakthrough came in 2019 with a performance at the Clayton Opera House, which sparked a cascade of bookings and accolades.
Since relocating to San Diego in 2022, Barankin has continued to grow her vision. DrumatiX’s performances in its residency at the San Diego International Airport have cemented its reputation as a dynamic force in the local arts scene.
Rhythm Delivered isn’t just a performance—it’s an experience. Seven talented dancers, including Barankin herself, bring their unique styles and techniques to the stage. The result is a vibrant, interactive movement and sound that’s both accessible and universally engaging.
“This show is about creating moments where the audience becomes part of the rhythm,” says Barankin. With its non-verbal storytelling, the performance transcends language barriers, making it accessible to audiences from age three to 90 and beyond.
For Barankin, the upcoming Escondido performance represents a significant milestone. “After receiving critical feedback at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, I realized this show had the potential to grow bigger,” she shares. Community support has also played a key role, with a raffle featuring prizes such as personal training sessions, artwork, and restaurant gift cards to add excitement to the event.
DrumatiX has earned a multitude of awards, including the Audience Choice Award at the San Diego International Fringe and consecutive titles for Best Live Theatre and Family Performances from Boston Parents Paper. These accolades reflect the company’s dedication to excellence and its ability to push the boundaries of percussive art forms.
Barankin’s vision for DrumatiX extends far beyond Escondido. She dreams of taking Rhythm Delivered to Las Vegas, international stages, and even cruise ships. For now, San Diego audiences can revel in the opportunity to witness this groundbreaking performance close to home.
Tickets for Rhythm Delivered start at $22 and are available at https://bit.ly/drumatix. For more information about DrumatiX and its upcoming performances, visit www.drumatixdance.com.
*
Miriam Gershenson is a freelance writer