Why Macondo Performance is a Learning MultiCultural Experience
Grupo Macondo and Friends present:
Alma, Corazon y Ritmo
Spiritual, folkloric and social dance from Afro-Indo-Ibero America:
A brief history of how Latin popular dance evolved in the Americas
May 19, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Boulder Public Library Canyon Theater
Program
Avaninha: In Afro-Brazilian culture, community events, such as this one, begin with invocation of the Orixas. In the Yoruba tradition, ancestors who possess “ache:” grace, blessing, and virtue, become Orixas. These are pure immaterial forces of nature that can represent both natural phenomena (e.g. thunder, minerals, ocean, forests) and the various ways that humans interact with nature (e.g. as hunters, warriors, nurturers, mothers).
Dance to Ogum and Oxum: Ogum is a warrior, always alert and moving rapidly. He represents metals, minerals, mountains and tools. Oxum is a seductress, always elegant and graceful. She embodies the essence of perfume and the brilliance of gold. This dance was taught by Rosangela Silvestre, Brazilian artist in residence, during her residence in April 2009. Choreography: Lizy Martin. Dancers: Ashley Natalia, Lizi Martin, Malaika Pettigrew, Carmen Nelson. Drummers: Alirio Da Silva, Larry Stephenson, Daniel Ondaro
“Mis Dos Abuelos” a poem by Nicolas Guillen (Cuba), read by Gustavo Reyna and Elena Klaver, danced by Onye Ozuzu with son, Enmanuel, and Rebekah West.
“Cancion con todos” sung by Mercedes Sosa (Argentina). Indians: Natasha Kerr, Yuana Diaz, Elena Klaver. Spaniards: Shireen, Monica Lettieri; Africans: Norma Johnson, Nii Armah Sowah. The audience is invited to sing along:
Todas las voces todas Canta conmigo canta
Todas la manos todas Hermano Americano
Toda la sangre puede Libera tu esperanza
Ser cancion en el viento Con un grito en la voz, en la voz.
Traditional Samba: from Brazil, Dancers: Tonja Van Helden, Melissa Swedlund, Marissa Mellizo, Cris Silva, Maristela Smith, Celia Macedo, Drummers: Alirio Da Silva, Larry Stephenson, Daniel Ondara
Rumba Guaguanco: from Cuba, Dancers: Ashley Natalia, Carmen Nelson, Adjei Abannkwa, Melissa Swedlund, Troy Burell, Judy Kreith. Drummers: Dave Crowder, Dave Lyons, Eric Walker, Tom Vanshctoick, Larry, and Reed.
Son Cubano: “Camina y Prende el Fogon” by Sones de Oriente
Carmen Nelson, teacher, with students: Chantal Deroos and Aitana Kampert
Dancers: Carl Nelson, Melissa Swedlund, Jae Parker, Victor Mendez, Antoinette Vastenburg, and Marisa Mellizo. Choreography by Carmen Nelson
Mambo: “Mambo # 5” by Damaso Perez Prado. Dancers: Norma Johnson, Malaika Pettigrew, Shireen Malik, Judy Kreith. Choreography by Judy Kreith
Cha-cha-cha: “Sabroso como el guarapo” by Orquesta Sublime. Dancers: Antoinette Vastenburg, Marissa Mellizo, Judy Kreith, Carl Nelson, Jae Park, Victor Mendez. Choreography: Judy Kreith and Carmen Nelson
Swing: “Dancing the Blues Away” by Albinia Jones, performed by Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. Choreographed by Pat Connelly, danced by members of the Blue Moon Company, funded in part by grants from BCAA and SCFD, Tier III.
Afro-Latin Blend: “Manuela” by Bopol Mansiamina, sung by Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca. Dancers: Nii Armah Sowah and Norma Johnson
Salsa: a blend of Salsa and Tango. Dancers: Rico and Lindsay
Grand Finale: Music: “Aguanile” by Hector Lavoe, sung by Marc Anthony.
Credits:
Still Photography: Nathan Rist Video: Nicholas Caiazza
Sound: Jordan Dill Publicity: Carmen Nelson, Victor Mendez
Muchas gracias, many thanks to all of the performers and to Donna Gartenmann, Mary Wohl Haan, Elena Klaver, Gustavo Reyna, Pat Connelly and the Blue Moon Dance Company, Ashley Natalia, Frances Charteris, Margaret Alfonso, Alirio and Neisha Da Silva, Gabriel, Carl and Chris Nelson, Lizy Martin, Rico, Lindsay, and Troy of Streetside Dance Studio, Rebekah West, Onye Ozuzu, Grupo Macondo.
For more information visit: macondodance.com, streetsidedance.com, and bluemoondancecompany.com
