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!!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
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
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
Monday, April 11, 2011
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
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
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
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