Procrastination and Dance Battles

Its been a crazy month. Mostly due to my lack of commitment (to ANYTHING), but also due to so many awesome things going on all the time. The Director of my school called me "a free spirit" the other day, saying she finally gets me- Its not that I don't want to commit to things, but I just want to do everything, all the time. I think she has a point.

I finally started step one of a project I've wanted to work on for years. Its new, and scary, and makes me question everything I've ever done before, but in a good way (I guess). Its premiering this weekend (OMG), and its definitely been a learning experience. I was so self-conscious about the whole thing, I put off asking anyone to be involved in the piece until a month before the show. I've had the choreography set for months, but was too scared to get started. Its made for a crazy guessing game that's kept me up almost all night, every night for the past few weeks. In retrospect, getting over my doubts sooner would have made for a much saner process.... but, part of me also likes this sense of urgency and excitement that comes along with all the unknowns. I'm sure I'll get better at this whole thing as I keep doing it.

All that being said, this project is pretty significant to me- not only because its the first project I've choreographed/directed and am actually putting on a stage, but also because of the process and meaning behind it. I think in rhythms, if that makes sense. In dance, in daily life, I connect different rhythms all the time. So, while living in Veracruz, I immediately started grabbing on to the percussive elements that I came across. I didn't really know anyone or speak the language very well, but I used my experiences in Dance and Tap to connect with the traditional rhythms of Son Jarocho. When I spoke in bad spanish, no one believed that my grandparents were born in Veracruz, but when I danced it made sense. It was kind of like my "in," in a way. So now, in fusing the 2 different percussive styles, it's been super important for me to stay true to each form, but "messing" with it at the same time. And I must say, the piece that's come from all of this is bad-ass and I can't wait to present it! I've been privileged to work with some amazing dancers and musicians- Soooo f'in grateful for all their hard work.

Come see the show! It's gonna be a percussive Dance Battle that you can't take your ears off of!

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/455714

I leave you with one of my favorite sones from one of my favorite grupos. I've been listening to it a lot for inspiracion!!






 

La vida sería mucho mejor con luces moradas

So... While transitioning through the hallways of my school, I often let the kids know how they should be moving by saying different lights. Green Light means Go, Red light means Stop, etc. Suuuper boring, no? One day, we were all a little bit cranky and ready for the day to be over. One of my little girls was talking about different stoplight colors and talking about how much she loves purple, so I yelled, "Purple light!!" They all stopped and looked at me... until I yelled, "Dance!" We all started dancing on the playground and no one was cranky anymore. So I ask, WHY are purple lights not part of all traffic lights?! Wouldn't the world be such a better place if cranky 9 to 5ers started dancing in the middle of their daily traffic jam instead of flipping off the guy next to them? It would be like fun dance therapy. All I know is, our transitions through the hallway just got waaaaay better.

A couple of weeks ago, I had an Afro-Cuban show in Modesto. I didn't really expect it to go too well. I mean, how many Cubans actually live in Modesto? But, it sold out. We got some claps and cheers here and there. After ending our suuuuper cheesy, fun, amaaaazing salsa piece, we did a lesson. We had the audience join us and follow along for "Congo." The stage filled up with most of the crowd dancing. And they were all happy as F*!%. They all let loose, got down in their linen blazers, and didn't give a crap what the person next to them thought. It was like someone yelled PURPLE LIGHT loud enough for all of these grown ups to hear. I call for more "Havana Nights" in Modesto. I swear, dance parties change lives. 

I leave you with my all time favorite recorded son that STILL gives me tingles. I swear, the Son de Madera recording of "La Morena" made my heart jump the first time I heard it and I seriously get lost in it as soon as it starts. Maybe its the cajon, maybe its heart piercing voices, maybe its la melodia de la jarana. Whatever it is, this son is amaaaazing, and as cheesy as it sounds, was one of my main pushes in moving to Veracruz to study Son Jarocho. And, I get to see them again this Saturday!! Maybe followed by a fandango...? My kind of purple light time for sheez!!

Twizzlers, Airplanes, and Oscar Wao

Here she goes... last minute packer, AGAIN! I swear, one day... I'll figure out this whole "be ready early" thing.

The other day, in preparation for my first real vacation ever (traveling, couchsurfing, and dance intensives don't count. That shit is tough), I made a Target run for some essentials. I came home and showed my roommate some of the stuff I bought "for my trip." Mini body wash, a travel size toothpaste, new lip gloss... and Twizzlers. Bags and Bags of Twizzlers. When she asked, "What are these for...?" I replied, "For my trip." Then, I realized, maybe not everyone has the same travel list as me.

For whatever reason, I need Twizzlers to travel. As far back as I can remember, I haven't taken a single airplane ride without being fully stocked on Twizzlers (or some Mexican knock-off) before boarding. Its like... my travel size face wash. Or, my photo ID. Twizzlers are just required. Funny thing is, I don't even eat them very often in normal life.

That being said, I'm packing my sunglasses, sandals, and Twizzlers (in my carry-on, ofcourse) and heading off for a week in Hawaii. I've never been. Nor have I ever been on a vacation with my niece, nephew, and big bro. So, it'll be an experience for sure. I don't really know what to do with a whole week with no where to be at any given time (I have a little anxiety about this, honestly), but I'm hoping the sandy white beaches will solve that, And, Maybe, just maybe, I'll finally finish the second half of "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao," a book I borrowed from a co-worker over a year ago (I'm pretty sure I owe her a brand new copy at this point). Its an F'in AMAZING book, but for whatever reason, I can't get to myself to sit still long enough to finish it!

I leave you with a Rhumba.... I've been rehearsing with my Afro Cuban Company a lot the passed few weeks, and having flashbacks of my traveling dancer days in Veracruz. We did a Rhumba piece to this song way back when, and it gives me that tingle-y feeling every time I hear it!!




-V

Polka Dots y Musica

A couple months back, I got dressed for work, braided my hair, then ran out the door (mostly because I was about 7 mins late, as always. Its part of my charm.). I was mindin' my own business, when one of my students walked in wearing the exact same thing as me.... Leggings and a pale pink shirt with grey polka dots. We stopped, looked at each other, then kinda laughed. This student, mind you, is 3 years old. 

Yeah, this could've been a sign that maybe I should stop wearing spandex in public and actually buy some real, grown-up pants. But, what I really took from the experience was.... Daaaamn, I wear A LOT of polka dots. Like, all the time. In all different sizes and colors. In various patterns. I have a serious Polka Dot problem. The funny thing is... I don't really remember wearing them much as a kid. As I sit here, typing this while sitting on my giant polka dot bedspread, I wonder... should I start dressing like a "grown-up" and cut back on my circle prints? Or should I continue fitting my favorite pattern into any possible situation (social, work, dance party, whatevs)? WTF does a grown up dress like anyway? I can't get down with pant suits. 

And now, we're in June. I seriously don't know how that happened. I guess the past month was a mash-up of rehearsals, gigs, cookies, dance parties, and dresses (of course).

Got my Bhangra/Bollywood on at the fanciest children's party I've ever been to.

Carnaval in SF!! Like Christmas, pero mejor!!

FamBam Photo tour. This Symmetrical head tilt pose wasn't even planned. 

Spoke on a panel and Performed at UCSC with Las Bomberas de la Bahia!

In between some of this, I've also been pushing myself to move forward in some dance projects of my own. I promised myself I'd present a piece before turning 29, and I'm gonna do it, dammit! The hardest part is just sucking it up, getting over myself (and all those crazy insecurities) and doing it. that, and piecing together all the necessary parts. Its so easy to have ideas in your head, saying "I'll work on this soon." I'm over it. I just need these ideas to come to life already! Maybe I'll just lock myself in a room for a few hours without a phone or computer, and see how far I get. 

I leave you with one of my current favorites- Carla Morrison. I actually saw her live for the first time a few weeks ago. It was her first time playing in SF. Y que cute she is! Plus, she has an amaaazing voice and writes her own stuff. She's fucking bad ass and an awesome example of current music coming out of Mexico. I feel like most people, when they think of "Mexican Music," only think of traditional stuff thats been around forever. Yeah, that stuff is great. But, soooo many people are unaware of the bad-ass current music Mexican musicians are making everyday. There is a crazy huge underground music scene all over Mexico, not to mention underground art in general, that most Northern Americans don't even know exists. The Mexicans can get down with some pretty rad, off the wall stuff. Anyway, Carla Morrison was born in the States, but is pretty big in that whole "Mexican Indie Scene." This one is actually a remix of one of her songs by some electronic dudes out of D.F. called Los Amparito. My students love them. No joke. Check it!

Mexico, Te amo....

9 days in Mexico is not enough. Not even close. I realized that as soon as i got there, but thought "F*#! it, lets see how much I can do. Sleep is overrated, right...?

D.F. I freakin' love D.F. I always make a stop there when I'm in Mexico, but never stay more than a few days- maybe thats why I still love it so much. The metro is so easy to use and cheeeeap as hell, and you can buy ANYTHING you want while riding it. Seriously. I almost bought a pack of band-aids and a light up pen... But, I talked myself out of it. The men's socks that say 'beisbol' on the side that i saw outside of the metro station, on the other hand... still happy I bought those. 

I stayed with my friend Mariana this time around. She took such good care of me- airport pick up, cafe y chisme, antojitos, y luego salsa en vivo en Colonia Roma. She knows me too well. I'm pretty sure I salsa dance better in Mexico than I do anywhere. Yes... Im taller than most of the dudes, but for some reason, its just what I DO there. 

I left for Xalapa the next day. A 4.5 hour bus ride in the middle of the day and an evening cab ride got me to la cabana de mi mejor amiga. The rest of the week was a blur of moto rides, chelas, Zapateado, bad mediocre spanish, and lots of hugs. As soon as I got there... I realized that the 6 days I'd set aside for Xalapa were not going to be enough. But, I went with it anyway. This time in Xalapa was different. My last week there was my first visit back since living there. I packed it with a giant list of things to do and places to go. This time... I didn't. I just wanted to be, see my friends, and dance my life away. My first day was exciting- I was soooo happy to see my Paty. But after that... it was back to normal. Just like home. Which isn't bad. I went to dance class, met up with friends for lunch, and just kinda made my way through the city. Its just funny to think that this place that is so different from my home and, at one point, was super foreign to me has now become my second home. Its comforting in a way, knowing that no matter what, I will always be able to go back as if no time has passed. 

My last day, Paty drove me to el centro in her moto to have breakfast and to buy some things for my abuelito. We rushed through everything, then went back to her place so that I could get my stuff together. We ran out so that I could grab a cab and this crazy bittersweetness fell over me, as always when I'm leaving Xalapa. It crazy. I know I could never live there again- I was reminded of how frustrating the super slow pace and crazy amount of flakiness that is part of everyone's daily life can be. But, when I'm there, I don't want to leave. Like I've said before, Xalapa will always have a huge place in my heart. 

After, I ran off to Toluca to see my friend Cesar. I had less than 12 hours (Sooo typical of me). He picked me up and we went straight to the beloved bar of Garanona. This is an amaaazing drink, made only at a bar in Metepec (like el Centro of Toluca). It has a bunch of herbs, is a radioactive-greenish color, and always makes for a good time. After chatting with some of his friends, we found out that we have some mutual friends (craaazy) from SF. Then, off to the Cumbia party. It was pizza eating, dance party, fun, with a special guest DJ from San Antonio (Who yelled "Bay Area in the House" right after we met. WTF?). After a late night Queso Fundido, and 3 hrs of sleep, Cesar's parents made me breakfast and drive me to the bus station (I loooove Mexican hospitality. I just hope to return it when I can). 

Long Story short... I had issues with my immigration papers and couldn't leave Mexico. My Marianna took care of me one more day, which gave me another morning to hang out in D.F. I found my new favorite diner in the world (Seriously, straight old school steez, with full on waitress uniforms and framed black and white photos of Pedro Infante in the walls. Swooooon.) and the bestest molletes known to man. Yeah, the extra night meade me miss my gig with Las Bomberas de la Bahia in San Jo, but... ya know. 

First week back, I was back in rehearsals right away. I guess its a good thing... I didn't give myself the chance to miss Mi querido Veracruz like I usually do. I was able to take mi Abuelito to a Fandango in Santa Cara that almost made me cry with happiness. My Grandpa was born in Orizaba, Veracruz, but moved to California in the late 40's. In the 90's, he married a woman from Orizaba, and began spending most of his time there. Now that he is in his 90's, the long trip to Orizaba is no longer something that he can do. So, other than bringing him a bottle of Torito, taking him to a fandango was one of the only ways I could bring his country to him. Luckily, a family from Veracruz opens their house to the Son Jarocho community each month for a Fandango. I found out that mi Abuelo played Marimbol for years in Orizaba (a percussion instrument used in Son Jarocho, with roots from Afro-Caribbean culture). After dancing the night away, he said "Bailaste bien, Mija," which meant more to me than any comment a Son Jarocho teacher could ever give me!  Amaaaazing. 

On a side note, Las Bomberas de la Bahia played a show with our Buyepongo buys from LA. These guys are super fucking rad and are sounding really good these days. Seriously, check them out. Its always magic when we play a show together. Hopefully waaaay more to come. 

Now.... I'm suuuper sick and have no voice. Apparently not sleeping is NOT good for you. Atleast my Bhangra/Bollywood gig today does not involve singing. Maybe one day I'll learn to slow down. Maybe. 

My son of the moment. The video is super weird... Sorry. 

  

Once again...

I'm sitting here, at midnight, last minute packing. Its been 7 months since my last trip to Mexico... way overdue and I can't fucking wait to be there! My flight leaves at 7am... Super Shuttle is picking me up at 4:45am. I just started packing. One day, I'll get the hang of that whole "getting ready early" thing.

Adventures in D.F. Followed by a week of Dance party, Zapateado, Antojito, BFF looooove in Veracruz! Ya quiero irme!! I love that months, even years later, I have amaaaazing connections all over Mexico.

On a side note, I've had a few crazy busy weeks preparing for and dancing in Cuba Caribe with Arenas Dance company. Dancing for Oshun, alongside Yemanja and an all female Bata line up- Heck yea! I'm not sure the entire audience understood how amazing and powerful that actually was... but we did!

The line up was awesome. The Peruvians from de Rompe and Raja were amazing and turned me into an insta-groupie. More Photos to come!

And now I pack. Ya know that feeling you get when you have no idea what you'll be doing at this time tomorrow? I looooove it!

Also... been listening to this non-stop. The Buyepongo boys always bring it.

Cranky Pants hits Spring!

Ever have one of those weeks when things just.... suck? Like, really bad. When you can't shake some crazy weird shadow hanging over you, and everything around you starts tweeking out in some weird way, and you can't stop listening to that Otis Redding/Amy Winehouse playlist you made for your Debbie-Downer days (don't judge), and everyone bugs the shit out of you?! And you really just want to crawl into a little, tiny cave and act like certain people in the world don't exist, while eating Nutella out of the jar and watching old re-runs of My So-Called Life to figure out where it all went wrong....? Yeah. F*!% those weeks. This week.   Maybe I'll hibernate until Sunday.

One a better note, March has been an eventful month....

Performed with Aguas da Bahia in SF! Capoiera meets Afro-Brazilian and me doing lots of Cartwheels...

 And hung out with the fam bam in San Jo (My Tata is cooler than yours).....

Drove to Chico during rush hour on a Friday evening to barely make it in time for a show with Arenas Dance Company...

Then had to stop at some random Motel 6 in the middle of nowhere cuz we were too damn Afro-Cuban'ed out to drive anymore at 2:30am....

And finally became an official Member!! Member's Only Jacket, Whaaaaaaat?!

And now, its the first day of Spring! Don't get me wrong, I'm still in Cranky Pants mode, but who wouldn't get excited over the idea of flowers growing, outdoor BBQs, and dresses...? And I can't help but think of the amaaazing times I'll be having over the next few months with the amaaazing people I have in my life. Seriously. Sometimes it takes shitty things and shady ass people to come in and out of your life to make you realize just how lucky you really are. 

Goals for the month: 

-Get a Smart phone (I think my fancy pager-like phone has finally come to an end)

-Decorate the walls in my room

-Make a pie

-Buy a plane ticket (Destination not set, its just time....)

F*!% you, shitty week! You'll be long gone soon. but until then....