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.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
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.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
"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
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
Monday, March 7, 2011
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
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
Thursday, February 10, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
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!
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!
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