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
Cooking dates are the best! xoxo
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