Al fin...

Its my last hour in Mexico... I still have many more videos, pics, and Mexican stories to post about. But, right now, I need to right about this moment.

I've been living in Mexico for over a year. 15 months to be exact. And, I honestly did not think I would it this long. The first month, I was crying like a baby for coming here, and nor here I am, teary-eyed in the Airport over leaving. How crazy life can get in such a short period of time. 10 months in Xalapa, part of me still can't believe it. From the loneliest couple of months of my life, to one of the best summer adventures I've ever had. Sure, it didn't include any crazy backpacking stories or sleeping on some strangers floor (well.... maybe, ha). But, the people in my life and the dance dance dancin I was doing out-do all of that. Just goes to show, things come around... no matter what. The small, hippy town of Xalapa did me well. I went to study Son Jarocho, but ended up dancing Afro-Cuban and teaching like crazy for the very first time. I am happy to say POR FIN, I know where I came from and am mother f'in proud of it. Veracruz has a flavor to it that could never be replaced. Even with all the cartels messing things up (more on that later) and the government trying to keep people in a state of constant fear. Its un ritmo in the blood that can be taken away. For this, and many more reasons, the city of Xalapa and the State of Veracruz will always be a vibrant part of my life!

Kinda Ironic that I am ending my 15 month long adventure in a WINGS at the airport in D.F. with 90s american pop in the background. Jaja. Between all the drama, crazy moves, Broke-ass days, and a crazy desire to just give up... I am so motherfuckin' happy that Mexico, mi querido, came into my life.



Son Jarocho, Amigos, Cheladas, y las noches loooooocas.... Los voy a extranar!

Te Amo, Mexico. Nos vemos pronto!

-Vane

And the SON that started it all....

So... here in Xalapa, at least the area I live in, trash pickup has its own, specific routine. Around here, the trash is picked up between 6 and 8 pm, everyday (except Sunday. there is NOTHING on Sunday). Such a HUGE time gap, you say? Well... no need to worry. A few minutes before the garbage truck pulls up, a cowbell is shaken up and down the streets to let everyone know "Hey, its almost time..." Then, everyone runs to the designated street corner with their bags of trash. Simple, no? I just never really knew where the cowbell came from exactly. A truck, a car...? CLEARLY not. Yesterday, I was walking home from my Jarana/Zapateado workshop downtown at around 7:45pm, when I FINALLY saw it... a boy, about 17 or 18 years old, walking up and down the streets in my neighborhood, cowbell in hand. I couldn't believe it... I stared for a bit, then went inside the house... bring the trash out.

Imagine doing THAT every evening!

On a side note, I've been taking a Jarana/Zapateado workshop everyday. I finally decided to give the strings a try. Its fun. And, I finally feel comfortable with Zapateado! I've been doing some tap dancing/zapateado exchanges over the past couple of weeks. Just wish I could've started it sooner!

2 more days until CHIAPAS!!!! YESSSSSSS!

Current Musical Obsession

:)

"There are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them."

I'm on a high. Long overdue.

Vacaciones en Veracruz!!

Hooooooooola!! Pues, my dance summer program ended, and I've been on vaca time the past few weeks. Something I must say about Mexico, it has definitely taught me to slow down. I never thought I'd be able to just BE in one spot for more than 30 mins. But, I've definitely proven myself wrong. Can;t say I really like it... Just something I had to adjust to.

Anyway.... The past couple of weeks were full of dance classes, beaches, bus rides, and beer. Jajaja. I ended my summer dance program with 'Beat it.' They begged to learn something by MJ, and I finally caved. Ja! It was suuuuuper cute. Glad I did it- I can now mark teaching little girls to tap dance and imitate Michael Jackson in a foreign country off of my list of things to do. Other than that... I've been making it a point to visit little towns near Xalapa. I went to Naolinco last weekend. Super cute little town that specializes in Leather and shoe making! I definitely had to take advantage of this. And may need to go back before heading out of Xalapa. Jaja!




I FINALLY had a chance to make it to the beach. I spent a couple of days in Chachalacas. Its la playa closest to Xalapa. Not pretty, but a beach, and freaking HOOOOOOOOOOOTT. Seriously.






AND, I FINALLY made it to el Festival AfroCaribeno en Veracruz!! Cada ano, I barely miss it. And, por fin, I was here! Even better, we got to see La Toto La Momposina, for free, front row!!! YESSSSS. I LOVE this woman- amazing singer with amazing tambores to back her up. The show was moved inside due a Hurricane warning por el Malecon, pero sigo REALLY good!!
They didn't play my favorite song, but I think I'll live. Especially since We got to meet her!!!





And, Last but not least... a night of Salsa Dancing with some of my favorites! I'm definitely feeling the 4am dance and beer. But, Life's worth living, right?! FUN time in Xalapa and beyond. But what to do next.... :)

You're here for a reason.... now do it.

Summer is almost over... I can't believe it!! I've been "living" in Mexico for just over a year now. Funny to think, at this time last year, I was having crazy "what the f***" have I done thoughts. Honestly... I didn't think I'd still be in Mexico by this time. But, I waaaay out did myself. Wooooot!

So, my time in SF was amaaaaaazing!! It was kinda a trip... jumping right back into working, rehearsals, living in (really close to) the mission. I absolutely loved every second of it. But... must admit, was a little overwhelmed at first. Ni modo, saw the fam and friends, drank some beers, even got a little lowriding in. AND, I finally got a chance to perform with the infamous Bomberas de la Bahia! I've wanted to start up with them for years. But.. with work, and dancing with at least 4 other companies at a time.. it just never worked out. Until now! It was a great experience- the girls, the music, the dance. I've been totally mesmerized by Bomba snce the first time I saw it performed in 2007, and love that I've been given a chance to learn this amazing form of dance and music from Puerto Rico! This is a sample of the group, recorded while i was in Mexico. A-MAAA-ZIIIING!



Other than that, my time in La Bahia was well-spent, and I was reminded of how freaking amazing my home is. I forget how easy it is to go to Brazil, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and India all in one weekend (I'm speaking in dancing terms, ofcourse). And, shiiiiiiiiiiiit, did I miss it! Not just that... the familiarity, my loves. All of that good stuff.

Needless to say, that month came to and end, my sublet was up, and it was time for me to get back to Xalapa and finish what I'd started. It was funny, saying bye to the family this time around. It was far less bittersweet. More like... 'See ya in a bit.' Jajaja. I'm pretty sure they've become desensitized to my coming and going.

So, here I am back in Xalapa. Found a sweet house with 3 dudes, a 15 minute walk downtown. I like it, a lot. I've been teaching at a dance studio on the other side of town. Tap, afro-brazilian, afro-haitian to a group of little girls ranging from 4-9. Suuuuuper cute. The language barrier has been... interesting, but, we're making it work. And, I looooove it! We have a little show this Friday. We'll be presenting 2 tap pieces, a Samba-Reggae piece, and a Maiis (haitian) piece. Super cute.



And already a month back in Xalapa! Fandangos, dinner making parties, peliculas de ZOMBIES, and a daily Son Jarocho Class right by my new house! Now... what to do. Money says time to go home. But, when have I ever let money stop me before! I've been offered a good amount of dance classes at the dance studio for the normal dance year. Its just gonna be a matter of finding the other half of money to keep me going. Plus, I gotta do at least 2 more tap performances here! I miss performing!! I've been stressing about this pretty badly. So not like me... I think its time for me to get the F*** over it and see what happens.

Some photos from Xalapa and Xico!





Now to figure out where to go next for a short vacation!!

Empacaaaaaaaaaando!!

I'm moving out of an apartment for the 4th time in one year. By this point, you'd think I'd have learned to start packing sooner than the day before...

On to Puebla, then a trip hoooome!!!

Went to a sweeeeeeeet fandango the other day. details to come, when I'm not running suuuuper behind. jajaja!!

Another Day in Xalapa. I woke up after a night of Salsa dancing Fun Fun Fun (El Bembe is the best), and taught a swing jazz dance class. Then, spent the day roaming the HOT streets of Xalapa with my roomie, Paty. We looked for apartments, talked about the creepster from the night before, and made fun of my bad spanish.... Its days like this that I'm gonna miss when I decide to leave this hippy town.

Things have been interesting in these parts. Less performance, more teaching... less drinking, more dance parties. Tension here and there... time to move again. Only problems is, I don't know for how long. Le siiiiiiiigh...

I spent the weekend in Puebla... was reminded of just how GRINGA I actually am. Ja! Fuuuuun weekend. One night, post outdoor dance battle, while roaming the streets of Cholula, we found this band, Los De Abajo, playing a live show. It was FUUUUUUN. Ska in Mexico just seems more cheesy and awesome. JA! serious Dance party and re-living youth status.



The night was filled with yummy food, a mini carnaval, and CUMBIA!!! Sonidero parties in Puebla are pretty Naco... The dudes are short, the places are dark... its pretty much rad.

Now between trying to pack, find an apartment, and a place to store all of my stuff... Im getting super excited for my month in SF!!!! Wooooohoooooo! I'll stop in Chulula one more time, then head home for a bit! I can't WAIT! Don't get me wrong, I love me some Mexico Adventurin'... but there is no place like SF!!



Aside from being good to be back home, see the family, the friends, eat some thai food, etc... It's the perfect time for me to step back and think about the rest of my Mexico Plan...

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.

Live by this... I try to. <3 <3

Abril en Veracruz...

This morning... I actually did the math.... I've been in Xalapa for (just shy of) 6 months. Wow, que rapido, no?! I remember telling my crew in GDL that I would aim for 6 months. I diiiiid it! To be honest, I do not know how much more time I will be spending here. Regardless, I made it 6 months! Woooot!

Last Sunday, I had a GREEEEAT performance at this years Festival Raices! It was one of the best shows I've done here in Mexico. The crowd was GREAT, so much love and positive energy (jaaaaa, que hippy!). I can definitely say, I did my best tap performance here in Mexico! The acoustics of the performance space were amazing. Yesssss. The rest of the night was fun! We were fed (YUMMMMMMY) homemade food and given Kwamas to keep us happy. I was finally able to see Los Aguas Aguas, a staple music group here in Xalapa. They put on a good show, and I got to dance with shortest man I've ever seen. I just couldn't say no! All the good times aside, it was a serious trip to go back to the festival. Don't get me wrong- I saw lots of people I met at the last one and had a GREAT time. Its just... Last year's festival, in late July, was my first time in (the area of) Xalapa. I had just gotten to Mexico, knew nothing of Xalapa and the dance/music scene in it, let alone spanish. Ja! And now, 8 months later, I performed at the festival. What a trip, no?!

For your listening/Dance Dance Dance party pleasure.... Los Aguas Aguas!



In other news, I spent Good Friday with my friend and her family, where she made a DELISH Vegan feast! She had just gone to a Taller de comida vegana y cruda and daaaaamn, was the outcome gooood! Vegan Mango Ceviche and Vegan sushi rolls! yes Please!

Something I bet many didn't know... Balkan Music is HUGE here in Mexico. Yes, when I say balkan music, I mean that goofy circus sounded stuff with an accordion and a lot of yelling. After the feast, we went to a tiny Cafe to see a band from DF named Balkanour play. And, i must say, it was rad! I freakin' love the accordian! It gave me flashbacks to the street music of Belgium... I liked!



This week has been a bit slow. Xalapa has been good to me, but I'm really beginning to crave the BIG city vibe. We'll see.

In the mean time, as many Zapateado Dance classes as possible!!

XO- Vanessa

Teachin' in Xalapa!!

So, the past 2 weeks were pretty busy ones. All good, though!

Like I said, I was subbing some dance classes for someone who was out of town. So, I had 3 classes a day, and LOVED it. In the AM, I taught some jazz/soft shoe tap, semi Broadway stuff. Think Chorus Line, Shim Sham, Fred Estaire. I did this type of dance for yeeeeeeears, and it was great to be able to work with it again. I taught an easy version of this classic swing phrase. There is also a tap version that I will be teaching soon... but more info on that later.



In the evenings, I focused on Afro Brazilian and Samba Reggae. It was a HIT. Nothing like this exists here, and everyone REALLY loved the rhythms I was working with. It makes me want to find my own space to keep going with it. We'll see....

Anyway, from one of the classes I was teaching I got in touch with a woman from Germany who owns a studio here in Xalapa. Well... I got invited to see her space, and after 10 mins of chatting she asked if I'd like to give a Tap Intensive during Semana Santa (Holy Week). Yesssssssssssss.......! So, Next week, I will be teaching my first tap dance intensive here in Mexico!! Raaaaaaaaaaaad! Now its just a matter of organizing my thoughts, and finding a place to get tap shoes made in this town!!



On top of that, I have another show with my Afro Cuban company this coming Sunday, so we're back to rehearsin' every day this week. Yes.... It'll be a busy one, but all good!

Aside from all the dance dance dancin' I've been doing, I had a seriously awesome weekend and am falling more and more in love with Xalapa. Friday, I went to a potluck at my friend Aranza's new BEAUTIFUL house, then taught Yanvalou for the first time. Followed by a Saturday in The cute town of Coatepec (neighbor of Xalapa), a Fandango/dance party, and Salsa dancin' with the Cubans at Bembe (the Cuban Salsa club here) till 4am. Sunday, with new friends, cocinando and watching Kill Bill, then off to se BOMBA ESTEREO play in Xalapa for the first time. Such a great show! Sweeeeeeeeeeeet!! More fun than I could've asked for in 3 days. I've met amazing people here in Xalapa, and this weekend was a great reminder of that.

For your listening pleasure.....



I'm pretty excited to see what the next couple of months are gonna bring. Xalapa has been good to me so far...

<3 <3

Por Viiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiida!!

I am substitute teaching dance classes everyday for the next 2 weeks. Its been 2 days.... this is the only thing I want to do. Ever.

Documental!!!!!!

Its gettin' Hot Hot Hot here in Xalapa. En serio.

Last Wednesday, the group I dance with, Ashe-Olorun, had a last minute chance to be in a documentary on the African influence in Mexico. The project is based in el D.F., but the film crew came out for the day to shoot us. Its was a loooooong day, but so rad! We had a.m. rehearsal, then went straight to the location in Coatepec. It was shot on a historical hacienda- Soooooo freakin' beautiful! Everything was classic- from the furniture, to the architecture. We got there, searched for a good spot to dance (dancing barefoot on dirt and rocks... not too easy), rehearsed until it got dark, then started recording with torches, etc instead of lights. Ya know... to keep it all raizes and stuff. All good work, followed but yummmmmmmy food and beer. I LOVE mexican hopsitality! I ended up chatting with the woman that lives on and cares for the land. She was born in Xalapa, but lived in California most of life, a lot of it in the bay area. Theeeeeeeen, I met a sweet older woman who was from West Portal (SF), and had been living in Mexico for the past 40-something years. Small freakin' world, no? Again... me being LAME with a dead camera battery... didnt get to take photos, but i stole a couple from my friend Karime!!







Last night, I went to a Fandango (por fiiiiiiiiiin) with a couple of friends... Didn't quite work up the nerve to dance, but did play the quijada for awhile. This is an instrument made from the jawbone of a donkey or horse... You play the teeth, then hit the side to make it rattle- one of my favorite instruments (weird, coming from a veggie... huh?). Its really big in Afro-Peruvian music, but also used in Son Jarocho music. Photos to come...

Homesick from time to time... and it suuuuuuuuuuuucks. a lot. Its a feeling that I can't explain... I physically feel it in my throat and chest. With time, I know. But, still.... there's not place like home.

and totally unrealted, Bumpin' this song like wooooooah!!



Hasta Luego!

"Its all just a movie- make your own life."

So true. One of the best things anyone has ever said to me. My Uncle is awesome. Would you enjoy watching YOUR movie....? :)

My Camera battery is dead, and I can't find the charger anywhere. Boooooo. It really would've been nice to have it last week when I performed for a Retirements Club's Anniversary Party and the crowning of the queen. Cheesy salsa dance, the queen in 6 inch silver heels and the brightest, poofiest pink dress I've ever seen, and a conga line with a group of retired women. How do I get myself into these situations you ask... I wish I knew. I'll try to track down something- its not everyday I get to have a dance party to the sounds of a smooth jazz band in a ballroom in downtown Xalapa.

I spent the weekend in Puebla... and ended up at a house party that made me feel like i was back in the Hills if ESSJ. Ja. Serious Techno DJ and drinks in plastic cups. Also... something I'm sure a lot of people don't know, but hidden away in Puebla, there is a small Italian town, called Chipilo. Its small, uneventful, but filled with Italians, good wine, good bread, and is known for its delicious dairy products. Yummmmmmmmmmmy.

ch-ch-check it!



Hmmmmm.... I need to get this camera situation fixed asap! Pictures make everything SOOOO much better! On a different note- As soon as I got home today, I had to head straight to rehearsal. Long story short, we're being filmed for a documentary on the African Influence in Mexico. Yep, yep. A group of guys and their film crew are coming out tomorrow night... Lots of last minute rehearsal today and tomorrow. Photos and more info to come!!

Goals for the week:

Attend 1 Zapateado class
Cook Cheesy Mashed potatoes (I miss cooking dates with my Katie Baby)
Do something new everyday (ongoing)

I leave you with this amazing video... hehehe. Rudi y Cursi. Watch it. Love it.





<3 <3- V

Catemaco y Nanciyaga.... Que hermosa!

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La Rhuuuuuuuuuuuuuumba!!

The past weekend was.... amazing. The Afro cuban company I dance with, Grupo Ashe-Olorun, got invited to perform at 2 festivals in Catemaco, Veracruz (where the above song was sooooo beautifully performed by the lovely Marianna!). After being driven 5 hours in a tour bus with the rest of the performers, we arrived at an amazing ecological reservation in la jungla de Veracruz, called Nanciyaga. Our 8 person cabin was surrounded by trees, lakes, islands, and monkeys that were not afraid to yell whenever they wanted. It was so freakin' crazy beautiful... I'll let the photos speak for themselves.





Lots of work, and not a lot of time to enjoy all that Nanciyago had to offer, but an amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. Our first show, on the reservation, was to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Putting on makeup by lamp light (no electricity) wasn't all that easy, nor was dancing on sand, but hot damn was it fun. It was the first time anyone had ever Tap danced in the outdoor theater (wooden board provided, ofcourse), and it seemed to go over really well. Plus, dancing Ogun and Vudu in the jungle... heck yeah! Some of the crew from Xalapa made a last minute trek out, which was an awesome surprise... Luego, Una fiesta!! Tamales, Vino, Cerveza, Musica, Son Jarocho.... fue una gran noche!






Sleep at 5 am, and another show the next day... maybe the last 3 glasses of wine weren't the BEST ideas... but, a boat ride along all the islands and a nap lake side before the show were. the Islands surrouding Nanciyaga are the home to monkeys from Thailand... It was a trip to see them, and in Mexico. Ja! Our Second performance was in the city of Catemaco... about 15 minutes away. El primer viernes de Marzo is a big festival de los brujos en Catemaco- It is a place known for its traditions in brujeria. We performed on the cities main stage, outdoors, with a full audience. We KILLLLLLED it, again... especially with our famous Reggaton piece. Fishnets, bootie shorts, leg warmers, and lots of head whipping moves... whats not to love?! The show was a HIT, and left us like zombies that night. All worth it. En serio. We returned to Nanciyaga late that night. And left the following afternoon. If you ever get a chance... Go to Nanciyago! Pinche Hermosa!!!





Without a doubt, one of my best experiences in Mexico, by far! It reminded me of my reasons for coming out here... and made me happy to know that I'm actually following through with them! Next on the list... Teaching Tap classes, and actually going to Son Jarocho classes!! This week, I swear!

XOXO- V

El Ano Nuevo en Mexico

I've been MIA, I guess. The past 2 months have been... interesting, we'll say. I said goodbye to 2010 here in Xalapa, and had a great time doing it. We went to Xalapan "rave," which ended being hours and hours of Dub Reggae. It took me back to the Elbo Room days in SF on Sunday nights. The location was a bit outside of the city... kinda secret squirrel, and surrounded by a giant forest of trees. Good times.

Like I said... December was sloooooow, and January started the same. EXCEPT, I found out that my visa was expiring sooner than I had originally thought. Fast forward to my last minute trip back to the States. I wasn;t ready, but for some reason.. it just felt right. I kept it secret squirrel for the most part, but did manage to make it out to SF for one weekend to dance with my amazing Afro-Haitian dance company and have a crazy fun night in the Mish... wow, how things haven't really changed! Im not complaining, just saying, its nice to know that I decide to go back tomorrow... I'll be welcomed right back into my world of Dance, Beer, and fun.

Going back was good for me. A friend who moved to the East Coast not too long after I left told me that his short visit back to SF was like hitting a reset button... and he was right. I went back, saw the ones and love, got my Afro-Haitian on... and felt ready. Almost like it reassured me that I was doing the right thing. I do miss home, I do miss my family, and I do miss all the comforts. But... I just don't think now is the time for all of that. But, as always, I mother F'in LOVE you SF.






Flashforward, I come back, spend a few days in el D.F., then find out I have 1 week to move out and find a new apartment, and start rehearsing for an out of show town right away. Its been a busy couple of weeks, but I ain't complaining!

I'll be gettin' my tap on once again, alongside some Afro-Cuban singing and dancing. And, starting some Afro Haitian Dance classes next week. Sweeeet! Pretty stoked. We'll see how it goes.

XOXO- V