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!
