Bailando en Xalapa y mas!!

So, it's been awhile. After my last post, things started happening pretty fast, and I guess I got all mixed up in 'Vanessa-Land.' Not a bad place to be, if you like laughing to yourself and solo dance parties.

I've been in Xalapa for almost 2 months. And... Yeah, its awesome. Shortly after my last post, I began dancing with the Afro-Cuban group 'Ashe-Olorun.' A week later, i had my first show with them. Not only was I worked into some pieces right away, but was also asked to do a tap piece for the show. Needless to say, it was a busy week of learning songs, choreographing, and trying my hardest to understand a style of dance I've never done before. It was great. Its good... because I know the history of various dances and rhythms within the Afro-Cuban style, because Brazil has their own Candomble versions. But, the movements and rhythms are different. Stronger shoulders, different tempos, etc. The show was great- Singing, dancing, and tapping on a slippery ass stage. I finally did a Zapateado (Jarocho)/Tap collaboration. Began with a call and response, then building off of each other, and ended with me sola chola. Pretty rad, and I really hope to do lots more in the future. We didn't have much water backstage, but a bottle of rum.. it made for fun costume changes and an even better after show jam.





Oooooh, and I found a place! Yes, Finally. After just about a month of searching, I found the best damn Casita with the best damn Columbiana roomie! Its little, 3 stories, and perfect. Pati is awesome... music and dancer lover who likes to make hot chocolate late at night... what more could I ask for?! Seriously, makes me want to stay much longer than planned... We'll see.



I spent Christmas in Puebla with a friend from the states and his Family- First Mexican Christmas. I love the focus on family, not gifts. A serious relief, and something that folks in the states need to get on top of!! I really liked it... lots of fireworks, family dinner (them eating turkey, me eating mashed potatoes, ofcourse), kissing baby Jesus and walking him around the room, then ending the night with (a few) night caps. It made me less sad to be away from the fam for the first time. I missed cookie baking, but I DID get to watch A Christmas Story, so it was all good.



A few nights later, we hit up a sweet Cumbia Sonidero Party... Watch for yourself... rad. People in these parts (Puebla, that is) dance cumbia different than I'm used to.. not the typical back-step... but, just kinda, improving and jumping a bit. And the women just kinda get swung around. Its rad. Definitely the kind of thing you can't take lessons to learn.




And now... I wait. things kinda stop happening around the holidays, so it is pretty much impossible to try and start anything up around here. All dance classes, rehearsals, etc are on pause until mid-end of January. So... Dance parties and mini trips it is. Tonight... Salsa Cubana en vivo...?? Creo k si!

Ya estoy en Xalapa...

So, I've been here a few weeks. Actually... now that I think about it, almost a month. Wow. it's been... interesting. I'm kinda stuck in the middle right now. Transition, meeting people, STILL looking for a place to live. But... I have been enjoying myself for the most part!

My first weekend in town, I met up with Jacinta, a gal from the bay. Jazz Music and Salsa dancing, a night to (sorta after a bottle) remember! We went to a Salsa club with a live band and a group of young boys that dance with various ladies throughout the night. Jacinta was with her boyfriend, and I was just there... so, after a few drinks and dancing with some strangers, I made my way through most of the 18 yr old dancer boys. Ha. Pero, en serio... good band. Go there... just make sure you got your "young boy" game face on.



The dance classes have been AWESOME!! I am currently staying with an amaaaaaaaaaaaazing gal named Aranza, and her downstairs neighbors are a dancer/musician couple. The gal teaches Danza Africana classes Lunes-Jueves with live music from her hubby. AWESOME classes, awesome music.... definitely a good find! Also... I got in touch with Susana Arenas... an Afro-Cubana who lived in SF for years. I never danced with her, but have lots of friends in the Bay who have. and sheeeeeeeeet, her afro-cuban classes are exactly what I've been missing!! Soooooooo good! Dancing with her group may be a possibility... we'll see. Been trying to get to Son Jarocho classes a few times a week. My friend Annahi has a space where she teaches (bomb ass teacher... really). And, Capoiera Angola. Its weird... in GDL I was looking for whatever dance classes I could... and here there are so many its freaking overwhelming. I LOOOOOVE it.

Other than that... some time in Puebla- Reeeeeally pretty. And, its gets really cold here at night. I seriously lucked out in finding my friend Aranza... most accommodating person ever!

Una Calle De Puebla


Una Iglesia en Cholula


La Iglesia de Xalapa!

Also....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BESTEST MOM EVER!!





On this lovely Sunday, I dedicate this song to you...



Love you Mama!

Hasta Luego, Guanatos....!

So, my time in Guadalajara has ended (for now). It was a good 4 months, I must say. the last few weeks in the city were fun fun fun, and made leaving a little bit harder.

From Halloween. Best Damn costume idea EVER!!


To Beautiful Sayulita....

funny story about this. I went, alone, on a bus and asked some locals where I could find a cheap room. Ended up staying in a Posada along a dirt road with a beautiful view! Anyway, I hit the beach right away with my CLASSY tequila in a can beverage from the OXXO. After meeting some locals (with the one and only rock n roll spot in this tiny beach town), I beached some more. Now, this so happened to be the night of the 5th games of the world series. So, I tracked down the one American Sports bar in town, made friends with a bar full of middle aged men who, at some point in their lives, all lived in SF but currently lived in Sayulita. Also, a couple that lives in the Mission, who I am positive I have seen at Dolores Park before. anyway, with lots of yelling at the TV, beer, and cheesy bread, WE WON!!!!! Wooooohooooo, Gigantes! It was awesome... I just still can't fucking believe that this happened the one and only year I am out of SF!!! Oh well... I continued my celebration by heading to a Salsa club con musico en vivo. As soon as I walked in... I get grabbed by the should by my friend Ilse!! We had met at Festival Raices back in August, and I had completely forgotten which beach town she lived in. So... We hugged, drank, and danced once again. She introduced me to her friends, showed me her amazing apartment, and gave me tips on her adorable city. Anyway, the following had more beach time and a bus ride home.




My first Night time bike ride through the streets of GDL!!
GDL is a huge biking city, and they have their version of SF's Critical Mass every week! I didn't partake in much because I never bought a bike, but it was definitely something I loved about the city. Anyway, this one was themed V for Vendetta, hence the masks. It was awesome, made me miss my monthly critical Mass with my jen!



To the last of my Fandangos at Mario's cultural house...



My last dance class with my Danza Africana Crew!!





My move to Guanatos didn't teach me so much about the culture and life of Mexico that I originally went to find. But, it taught of a shitload about myself. En serio... Tough homesick times, and lots of "what the fuck am I doing here" moments... but, overall, I think it went well.

It ended with a bbq in the park, my last saturday at PULP bar, and a yummy farewell dinner with my favorites.






I miss you guys already!!

Between Rock Band, Kulsch, and countless Indie rock cover bands throughout the city, this song will always make me think of Guadalajara!!



Gracias por los todos. Nos Vemos, Guadalajara!

45 anos de Fiestas Octubre!!

The past couple of weeks have been great, I must say. Between free concerts, beach time, new running shows (woooot!), good times for sure.

I don't know if I mentioned it, but here in Guadalajara, there is a months long "Festival" called 'Fiestas Octubre.' Its the end of the rainy season, and los Tapatios like to get out and enjoy the sun (that, yes we still have at this time). A tradition that's been going on for about 45 years I believe, the city holds a free concert of various types of dance and music on a stage downtown EVERY NIGHT. yes, how awesome is that?! And, a lot of it is some really rad stuff- Music from India, Tango, various traditional types of music and dance from all over Mexico. Well... the other week I went to un noche de folclor internacional. Yes, it included la Compania de dance folclor de Venezuela y un grupo folclorico de aqui (GDL). It was a sweeeeet show. The Venezuelan group was super diverse... going from zapateado to some serious Afro shit (and you KNOW how I feel about serious afro-shit!). I was really impressed. Not to mention, there were some dances/costumes/etc that really made me think of different Afro-Haitian Rhythms. Seriously.

Like this one.... Swa Kongo like wooooooooah! The skirts, hair wraps, scarves. Either way, it was sooo rad!



And this song (not to mention the AWESOME drumming) kinda made me think... Bomba?




It just goes to show the crazy connection between Latin American countries and African roots. They all tie into each other one way or another. I just love ALL of it!!

El Grupo Folclorico de Guadalajara started out a section of sones de Veracruz, Including La Bruja! So pretty (my friend Benjamin and I were counting each sign for me to move to Veracruz that night. So many).




It was nice to see Mariachis, too. Its strange. Jalisco is the birth place of many things that are considered "traditional" in Mexican Heritage, such as Mariachi Music, Tequila, Banda. But, I have seen any freakin' Mariachi music! En Serio.... Maybe its cuz it has become such a modern city. But, Really? none? So, I was pleased when this tight pants wearin', big hat ownnin', oversized string instrument playin' group came out. Woooohoooo!! Oh.... big hats NOT featured. Whooops.




Fuuuuun. I am a little bummed that I didn't get as much exposure to learning Ballet Folclorico while here in GDL. Buuuuuut, i guess it just wasn't meant to be. But, I must say... Free freakin' concerts every night for a month?! F-yeah, Guanatos!



On a different note... I finally figured out the PERFECT IPod volume to drown out the CLASSY mexican hoots, hollas, and 'aye, mamis' while I'm running. Wooooot!!


XOXO- V

Year 26

I have been 26 for exactly one week now. It's a trip... I still can't say it. Mid-20's, woah. But, thinking back over the past year, I'm pretty okay with this. I made a "25th year to do list", and I am pretty damn pleased with myself. 4 out of 5 ain't bad (Making my bed everyday, OFCOURSE that wasn't going to happen!). I actually did celebrate my 26th birthday while living in another country. Woohoo!

On that note, my celebration made me realize how great my Guadalajara peeps really are. Laughing, singing, beer drinking, chocolate cake eating, salsa dancing fun... what more could I have asked for?

A few of my friends singing to me.



Later this night... we (plus some more) went to my FAVORITE place in Guadalajara- LA MUTUALISTA! Now, I'd been told of this place when I first got here, and went for the first time while my good friend Miguel was visiting. Live Salsa band, giant ballroom, plastic chairs, tacky photos on the walls, and a "here to have a good time" attitude- I was hooooooked! I've gone back almost every week/every other week since, and I still can't get enough of it! I'm telling you, if your ever in GDL and want to actually dance, have fun, and not have to give a shit about what about people are thinking, Go to La Mutualista! If you're ever in GDL and want to hear some good live music, Go to La Mutualista! If you're ever in GDL, period, I don't care who or what you are... go to La Mutualista! This place (among other things) makes me not want to leave this city. I feel like it is one of the rare places you can go and just have a good time sin sentencia. It is filled with all level dancers, foreigners, locals, older people, younger people.

(real video from La mutua, by the way).

There are also classes every monday and wednesday at La mutualista, but I am still yet to go to one.

With my birthday weekend ending at La Mutua, I was as happy as can be. And now, in my 26th year... I must say, I'm pretty excited. I'm here, for who knows how long. I just know that it will be an awesome one. Because... well, its what I do! Ja.

26th Year to do list
-Teach a dance class in Mexico
-Perform in Mexico
-Go to Central and/or South America
-Run in a race
-Make Tamales
-Learn to speak spanish in the past tense

And now to work on this years list... It'll happen. All of it!

Here's to beginning my second quarter century in Mexico! Woooot!

Danza Africana!

Hace mucho tiempo desde mi ultimo mensaje....

Lots has happened out here in Guadalajara. But first... how is it already October?! Wow, I'm coming up on 3 months out here, but I swear I just got here.

Anyway, one of the highlights of the past few weeks was the taller de Danza Africana con Mariama! Now, as I've mentioned before, there is a huge Danza Africana scene here in Mexico. En serio.... HUGE. And, they are really into special workshops. Since I have been in Guadalajara, there have been 3 different Danza Africana workshops from 3 different native (of Africa) dancers.

Mariama taught at the Festival I went to in el bosque de Xalapa. This time around, however, was much more intimate, with less people. Mariama is from Conakry, Guinea. She currently lives in Sao Paolo, Brazil, and spent the past few months traveling around Mexico, teaching week long workshops from city to city. what a freakin' life, right?! This woman is amazing- her dancing, her thrill for life, and energy. I just adore her.






Each class was filled with crazy energy, jumps, live drumming (from the afro-drumming enthusiasts of Guadalajara, ofcourse), and the head tossing, hair flinging moves that I LOVE. We did different dances and rhythms each class.... one of my favorites being "Sorsonet." It is a dance that is performed after the harvest by the Baga people of Guinea. This video is a clip I found on the internet... not an actual video of us.



After the last class, we all headed out to Zapopan to dance in the center... yes, live drumming and all... dancing for the Mexican folk out enjoying their saturday night. Awesome good times... then the rain hit like wooooah! In spite of the maguage barrier, Mariama and I got along great, talking about the dances of Brazil and how much we LOVE that culture and flava of that country. We communicated pretty well, between spanish and french. But when it came time for her to ask me to translate... not even close. ha! Soon enough, my brain just wasn't ready. Great times, great week, awesome dancing!





On a side note- Mi familia de Guadalajara is amazing. I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I live in a pretty international house- 1 Mexican (diego), 1 Swede (Sanna), 1 frenchie (Juanito), and 1 American (me). Our convos go from english, to french, to spanish... and then back again. Time with them has made home feel a bit closer.



Juanito not pictured... that taller Mexican is our friend, Omar.

And tonight... Salsa class a La Mutualista!! But more on that later...!

XO- V

Zapateado y mas!

The past few days have been... awesome. So many foot rhythms and good times I don't even know what to do with myself.

First off, yesterday was the Bicentenario of this beautiful country, meaning Wednesday night was craaaazy good times- the streets were filled with thousands of Tapatios in Red, White, and Green, fireworks, music, and lots of street food. My first Mexican holiday in Mexico. Woot!

That day began with a friend of mine telling me he had a 2 day surprise for me that I would LOVE... Hmmmm, didn't think anyone here knew me well enough to make that kind of statement. BUT, he was right. My favorite Son Jarocho group from Veracruz (and good friends of his) were in town. Soooo... after seeing them in the center of the city, and stopping by the rooftop BBQ celebration at my apartment (yeah... kinda missed our own party. whoooops), it was off to a Fandango with locals and Veracruzanos alike.






The next day included free tickets to their show at Teatro Degallado in the city center, amazing Argentinian Sandwiches, and yet another Fandango!



The show itself was rad- it included the guys from Veracruz (Son De Madera), a group/dancers from Michoacan, and another from San Luis Potosi. All different parts of Mexico, but came together in what is called Sones Compartidos. Although los Veracruznos were the best (duuuh), it was still really interesting to see/hear all three styles side by side. Now, I am still in the baby step stages of learning about Mexican music in general. So, being able to compare all three at once was pretty rad. The Fandangos had a similar thing going for them... While there was a lot of Son Jarocho played, sones from different regions, including Jalisco, were also played. So, I got to not only hear the difference, but also see and dance the different zapateado rhythms from region to region.

From this, I met some great tapatios who get together every Friday to dance, sing, play sones tradicionales from all around Mexico. Naturally, I was invited to join. it was a great time with these folks. We focused on sones and rhythms of Jalisco, which was great and new for me.

I have spent a pretty good amount of time tracking down traditional dances of this region. While i have come across some folklorico classes, etc... I really wanted to begin with raw, authentic zapateado of Jalisco, without the glam of folklorico. And, heck yes, I found it. In the middle of the park, with one board, six musicos, and about 7 dancers... it felt more real than anything else I've done here. Amazing, I must say.

Immediately followed by a free concert in a casa cultural with the artistic-alt crowd of Guadalajara... just goes to show the funky diversity of this city.

wow... it just might be growing on me.

SF Summer Lovin'....

So, I have officially been in Mexico for one month now. Wow, that was fast. I've been meaning to write something for a bit... my see ya later message to SF and those that I love, like a review of my the last summer, but i just haven't been able to bring myself to actually do it. I dunno... it was like by doing that, I was actually doing this- moving to another country, away from all that I know and love. Just too hard with everything I walked away from. I feel secure enough now, or maybe I just need some closure. Either way...

I must say, this move was A LOT harder than I thought it would be. Not in the "things" realm (ie- apartment, dance, work, etc...), all of that has been almost too smooth. But, in the heartache/homesick part of things. Seriously, I had no idea I was so attached to my life in SF... I guess its one of those "the grass is always greener" kinda things.

This past summer was probably one of the best SF summers I've ever had. I think I was finally living the life I always wanted to live in SF- lots of dancing, performances, biking, living in the mission, world cup, lots of awesome neighborhood friends.... I was right in the middle of everything, as I always wanted to be. It was really hard to say good bye. Its amazing how different life was once I finally got out of the richmond. Not to say that part of town doesn't have it's perks. It does, otherwise I wouldn't have been out there for so long. But... it was never really my comfort zone. Maybe its the San Jo in me... I mean, San Jo and the Mission are like really close cousins. Or fraternal twins. Yeah. Anyway, it was an amazing summer with amazing people. it makes me wander how different my life would have been had I moved there sooner. Would I have made this move...? Probably, but I think I would have hesitated a bit more. What ifs aside, I'm so glad that this summer happened, even with all its stupid moments and heartbreaks. It gives me much more to look forward to coming home to.

some of my favorite moments....


















And many, many more...

Among the Summer Soundtrack...









And much, much more ofcourse....

I will love you forever, San Francisco.

3 days....

"But what if you just lived how you wanted to, instead of waiting? What if we wanted 'the beginning' instead of the end?"

-Erick Lyle
On The Lower Frequencies

**Read this book. Then leave it for someone else.

Dear day of bad decisions-

You suck. You came, screwed with my head, then left. Please do not return.

-Vanessa

Flashback....

Music Style.

This song brings me back to 2007. Post college graduation and heartbreak. roaming freely through the streets of Europe. Hearing this song immediately takes me back to train rides through Belgium and walking along La Siene in Paris. The sounds, the smells, the feelings of those moments of exploration and adventure. Le siiiiiigh.



Sometimes its nice to stop and reflect on what we've done and where we've been. Then realize that time moves to damn fast.

XOXO

Sunshine and a weekend of awesome.

I am currently sitting in (one of) my favorite neighborhood coffee. No... I take that back. My favorite neighborhood coffee shop. With a spicy soy chai. and I am happy! Now this was a cafe that I used to come to because of its location (right beneath Dance Mission), in between classes or during intermission of a show. But, now... I can come here just because its so awesome. Also, they show the World Cup.

Anyway... Side notes aside, this weekend was the Ethnic Dance Festival! Now, it always seems a little strange. Months, Weeks, hours or rehearsal for a one weekend performance. But, let me tell you, the amazing experience connection and exposure to cultures from all over the world make it all worth it. Plus, we dance because we love it and can't live without it, so what better way to celebrate that than amongst artists with open arms from all over the world! Seriously, the instant feeling of community is amazing, both within your group and those around you. Dance parties with Indian dancers, shared desserts from the Tahitians, and picture taking with the Peruvians, all within a 10 minute period... where else can you get that?





Each time we took the stage was different, but all powerful and connected. It felt so great to finally be on the stage with the drummers, dancers, and singers. And Simbi Dlo. She heard us, I am sure of it. Standing in the wings before going on, flashes of the Haitian people who are trying to rebuild their home and truly are in need of water came to mind, and I had to reach for Simbi Dlo even more than before. It was a reminder of why I do what I do, why I love the stage. To be so alive, so in the moment, sharing those moments with so many others. Getting caught up in the movement, the music, and the constant connection between the two- it is something I cannot put into words. Just powerful and vulnerable all at once. I was chatting with one of the girls after a show, and she said that each time she goes on stage, she realizes that you never know what is going to happen. Which is true, we don't. But, you have to go into it with all that you have, in spite of not knowing. And I love that.



Overall, the weekend was amazing. As one of the tahitian dancers and I decided, the only thing that could have made it better was to NOT have to go work the next day. One day...

Until then, I'll continue exploring the world through dance, whether in SF or the great beyond. I have about a month here in SF, and I plan on taking as many dance classes as I can. By the way... Bhangra is FUUUUN!!

I'm pretty sure that dancing in SF has changed my life...

At this moment in my life, I am absolutely in love with San Francisco. Its like... my significant other, if you will. Always there for me to pick me up when I'm down, always full of surprises, and basically wears a sign that says "I fear commitment." Yes, my kind of man. That being said, San Francisco has shown me some amazing things... Lots of fog, a million dinners out, more new people than I can count, crazy/barely clothed Halloween nights in the Castro (RIP), races in the Park, and bike riding through the Broadway tunnel. But, I must say, that of everything this amazing city that I call home has introduced me to, the amazing dance world has affected me more than anything. The diversity, the passion, the joy of it has shown me new worlds, new languages, and who I am really am.

Its true. This once unsure, fragile little girl who lost herself in negative thoughts, eating disorders, and fear of taking a good hard look at herself is finally not only okay with the image and thoughts that look back at her in the mirror, but is Mother f'in proud of them (Take that former me)! And I'm positive I have my boyfriend's awesome dance community to thank. Ya see... I've danced forever. Age 3... shows, rehearsals, make up I'm pretty sure I was way too young to be wearing. And this went on and on and on... but with little acknowledgment to who I was. Kinda cookie cutter, but I couldn't stop. Flash forward... my first dance class with live drumming. And that was it... HOOKED. for serious. It was like.. all those fears and little things I'd tried to hide for years seemed small. Stupid. Just let it get beat out by the rhythm and energy of the drums, and passionate movement that matched it. I was set free, and I have followed that feeling ever since.

Now, my world revolves around any kind of dance I can get my hands on... Afro-Haitian, Brazilian, Peruvian, Indian... As I've spent the past few years drowning myself in these rhythms, dances, cultures... I began to wonder, what about my roots? I was in Brazil, studying the amazing dances and rhythms in the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador, Bahia, when a brazilian man asked me where my family was from. I replied with my "mutt" answer, throwing in French, Native American, Mexican, etc, etc... And he asked me what Mexican culture was like. And I couldn't answer. I didn't know. Something is wrong when someone from an entire different country, continent, culture knows more about the land of your Grandfather than you do. For the first time, I felt ashamed. Not for being who I am, but for not KNOWING who I am. Where I come from. Suddenly, 'Gringa' had a whole new meaning to me. Dammit! Had it not been for the love and and desire to learn about new outside cultures through dance, movement, and music, I would have never come to this realization.

And so it goes... I am diving head first into a world of travel, language barriers, culture shock, and discovery in the land of my Grandfather. Mi Abuelo. The spanish will come, the dances will be LOVED, and any fear and loneliness I come across will be milled over with dance and music of this beautiful land. Mexico, Mexico, here I come.

And so, I say to my significant other... San Francisco, thank you for showing me the joys of Happy Hour, dances from all over the world, and ME! You are amazing.

Love you always,

Vanessa <3

And so it begins.... Sorta.

Alright y'all. I am no longer in the comforts of my apartment, do not really have a home, and no longer have a job for the school year in San Francisco- Officially in adventure zone. Yep, that's right, from this point on my mind will be in the moment, more or less, and I am so freakin' excited!

I am officially living in the Mission. I mother f'in love it, and only wish I'd done it sooner. My days seem twice as long, since I've cut out all of my commuting time. I can walk to rehearsal. WALK. in 5 minutes. Seriously. Its Amazing. And its sunny. And I can see the Bay Bridge from my window. And, someone drove by blasting Selena from their car. Finally, I feel like I'm home. After my daddy helped me move in, we sat on my stoop and ate some elote and mango (from the man with the fruit cart, ofcourse) and I felt comfortable.

**Richmond district, you we're good to me for five years, provided me lots of safety and Russian bakeries, access to the beach on those rare days, and peace and quiet. But, I regret to inform you that I have found my spot and I will not be coming back. I will occasionally peak my head in the fog to say hello to dear friends and a Tommy's Margarita, but my presence will not exceed a few hours. I hope you understand.

Sincerely yours,
Vanessa

That being said, I have become a bike riding sun dweller in only one week, and love it so much. Its crazy to think that in less than 2 months, I will again be saying good bye to another area, and see ya later to SF (where my heart is) to venture out into a foreign. I love my life.

In simialar news, I have been dancing as much as I can as of late. I am so sad to think of leaving my Brazilian and haitian dance worlds for a bit. But, I know my dance adventures in Mexico will be as exciting as ever (and difficult, I gotta learn some spanish, yo!).

Last Week, in Tania's afro-brazilian class, we did Maculele. I Loooove Maculele. You can see me doing a bit here....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEqbGlHrR-k

Just look for the red shirt, and big hair. For the record, I had nothing to do with the video or song.

Maculele is a dance of Afro-Brazilian decent, done usually (nowadays) at Capoeria presentations and within folkloric dance groups. Traditionally, performers beat sticks together to the rhythms of the atabaques. Some say it has afro-indigenous roots, some say it originated in carnavals of the 18th century, I say its is awesome traditional form of movement way and absolutely love it. Something about the rhythm of the drums, the intensity of the accents in movement and music, the songs sung with the drums.... whatever it is, I wanna jump higher and turn faster... then do it all over again.

Now, off to a some spanish studying and dinner with my lady loves.

The time has come...

for things to change. Yes, Yes... I have officially committed to a shift in life and giant move. It came to a point where I just HAD to do it. After weeks of waking up at 4 am, I just decided to stop ignoring what my heart was telling me. Now, actually making it happen...

Things have actually gone smoothly. My plan starts with getting out of my comfort zone- moving out of my comfy home with amazing roommates of 5+ years and quitting my job, or at least putting in notice for next school year. This resulted in a sublet on June 1st (moving to the mission for about 2 months, sweeeet) and getting transferred to a different summer school (also in the mission). Then, Mexico bound.

This is all good, my plan is going smoothly. But change.... as good and necessary as it is to grow and evolve, it can be sad and a bit scary. Especially when you've been in this "comfy" zone for as long as I have been. I'm beginning to get "ex- girlfriend syndrome," as I've coined it- getting super jealous when a roommate mentions finding a new roommate for my space or people at work begin asking about who will replace me. I'm somewhat territorial, as my "you'll never find anyone better than me" attitude has clearly gone to show. Hahaha... its true, though. In hearing my roomies interview a new girl today, I almost wanted to run out and say "No, I'm not leaving!" Instead, I buried my woes in healthy but still tasty brownie baking (baking is very therapeutic for me in stressful times. I'm sure the next week and a half will involve a lot of baking with a wooden spoon and random late night jogs, also to relieve stress). The thing is, its not necessarily the fact that I'll be living in a new country in the next 2 months that really affects me, its the sorrow I'm feeling when I think of closing this one chapter of my life, and leaving behind all the awesome comforts and memories, and the changes some relationships will have. Not to say that my closeness with my roomies or attachment to the little boy I've been working with for the past four years will end, they just will never be the same. And that makes me a little sad. Super sad. But, in the end, I know that this is what I need. its overdue, really. And my heart just can't hold out anymore.

All that being said, I am soooo Mother F'in excited!! Adventure, adventure and then some! At this point, i really have no plan past this... and don't really intend to until I leave. I know I'll work, and I know I will study the regional dances of different parts of Mexico... where to begin, is the question.

Packing sucks, I don't know where to begin. I have 5 years of stuff all around me. what to keep? I don't know. but, a yard sale is definitely in the works. And, i need to learn some more spanish. Speaking the past tense will definitely be a good skill to have.

Current Musical obsession:



Video is weird. Song is Awesome. Current story of my life. <3 <3

Mexico Bound...!!!

So, super shuttle will be picking me up in about 5 hrs. Ofcourse, I am just beginning to pack. with La Bamba in the background (essence of my childhood. Why is Ritchie Valens not my boyfriend...?). Eeeek, I am so excited.

So, I have decided my one ultimate goal is to learn some of the traditional dances of Jalisco while I am there. Hence, packing my character shoes and possibly a dance skirt as well. I am also considering some tap shoes. We'll see.

Currently watching....


Dream man. <3

Last night...

I bought a last minute ticket to explore Guadalajara!! I leave next Tuesday at 7am. Holy Crap... I'm SO excited. I have wanted to check it out for a while- I've heard great things about it and know some AMAZING people from there. So, I figured, Why not? Also.... a few days at a nearby beach won't hurt. Eeeek, I can't wait!

Things to do in GDL:

-Couch Surf
-Drink Tequila (home of...)
-Listen to Mariachi music (also, Home Of...)
-Banda Music!!
-Go to Tiangus Cultural (Outdoor market with an "alternative" scene)
-Go to atleast 4 dance classes (would love to find some traditional dance classes somwehere)
-Bull Fiiiiiight...?!
-Punk Rock show
-2 days at a beach, with Mango and Chili (Puerto Vallarta or Colima)
-Buy atleast 3 locals a beer
-Add to my Heart Shaped jewelery and Percussion instrument travel collection
-Salsa Dance
-House Party
-Ride a Bike
-not come home (i'm only half serious)

I think its official... i freakin' love Mexico! 10 years ago... no one would have thought. Oh man... i am just so excited I can barely sit still!! I'm sure this coffee I'm drinking isn't helping much in that department.

Currently listening to...



In preparation.

time to find a couch.

I'm itching for a new adventure. A lot. Siiiiigh.

I've been dancing a lot (surprise, surprise. I know). But, really. Been doing a good amount of events with the Haitian Company, Afoutayi. Following the tragic Earthquake in Haiti, my friends (and dance directors family) were brought over. We've been doing a lot of benefits for them. We also had a corporate gig in San Jose, which definitely qualified as a "sick day" from my day to day life. Oh, how I would love to just PERFORM to live. Last night, I did a tap improv piece at a benefit. It was pretty much awesome. I finally got a chance to do a call and response with a drummer. an amazing Puerto Rican drummer, at that. We just went for it, throw out some rhythms, and did a kick-ass job with it. My calling.... to a tap dancer Extraordinaire? I'm thinking yes.

I have another show with my Brazilian Company, Aguas Da Bahia, tonight. I wish all of my weekends were like this. Its really all I want to do.

Anyway, its already March (just about) and that really scares me. Oh well... just need to buy another plane ticket on a whim.

Current Musical Obsession, thanks to my amazing Mexican buddy in Copenhagen. <3 <3

Oh, Rainy SF...

Well, it is now 2010. Aren't we supposed to have hover boards and meals in pill form by now? Dammit, Back to the Future!!

The past week+ has been nothing but rain. Lots of Rain. Windy rain. All of a sudden hide under a garage door rain. Yes, all true. Not the best situation for a gal sans car. However, I manage. I have also managed to hibernate for most of this month due to said rain and a ridiculous desire to finish an online certification course I started. Yes, its all part of plan to be able to support myself in foreign lands. Its all good and dandy, I just want it DONE. Thus, locking myself in my room for hours on end or sitting in random cafes with WI-FI for hours on end. At least my laptop is getting good use. And my head feels like its gonna explode every now and then. Oh well, all in good time.

In between I've managed some good times and constructive brainstorming. Karaoke craziness, Vandella awesomeness, rehearsin' like crazy (stay tuned for info on a Haiti relief event), and lots of planning for a special needs dance class I WILL start in the next month. I'll have a life one day. Once the rain stops, I may pop my head out. Until then, my record player and note-taking nerdyness will continue to keep me company. Ooooh, that and Good Tea Sweet and Spicy flavor. Hot damn, that stuff is goooood!

Song of the moment...



Sing it, grrrrrrrrrrrl. <3