About the Performers
Last updated: September 2007
· Orquesta Tropikiimba (Headliner)
· Zabor Dance
· Mariachi Estrellas
· Capoeira Angola FICA
&
Latin Ballet of Virginia Capoeira
· Latin Ballet
· ODIEE
· GTS Dance Team
· Giovanny Ponce
Orquesta Tropikiimba (Headliner)
One of the few authentic Afro-Caribbean Orchestras in the Mid-Atlantic United States. The band has musicians from countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Dominican Republic, Mexico, St. Thomas and the United States. With such a vast contrast of influences from different countries, it is no surprise that this group consistently delivers a very energetic, interactive and lively show. They have proven this by getting people up on their feet dancing and screaming from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States all the way to Asia.
tropikiimba.com
ZABOR Dance
ZABOR is a method of teaching dancing to couples. It focuses on the development of a connection and awareness toward your partner and your surroundings, placing emphasis on the cultural significance of the dances, and above all, the musical interpretation of each dance. ZABOR will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of body motion, inviting you to explore your imagination, and ultimately to develop your own personality through dance. The name ZABOR is a composition of three words: the Spanish words; sabor (flavor), saber (to know) and the English word; zest (stimulating quality). ZABOR represents the philosophy behind this style of teaching because it’s after all, the mixture of the knowledge of movement, the flavor of music and the zest for life.
Instructors: Edwin Roa and Amberlyn Sasser
Edwin and Amberlyn have dedicated their professional career to develop the skill of partner dancing. In 2005, they were awarded first place in the Carolina Classic Professional Show Dance Competition in Raleigh, NC. Although they dance competitively, their focus is on artistic approaches to couple dancing. Together, Edwin and Amberlyn run their own studio, Zabor Dance, on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, VA.
Edwin Roa has been professionally teaching partner dance for over 9 years. He helped create the Charlottesville Salsa Club, was the co-founder of the University of Virginia’s Multicultural Group, was a company member of the Latin Ballet of Virginia, and created and directed “Rhythms of the Soul”, a musical play about ballroom dancing. He has performed with multiple groups, offered workshops and independent instruction at different colleges and universities, as well as offered master classes at many different dance academies. In 2003, he organized the ETNIA (ethnic) performing group as a way of introducing Zabor, his method of teaching partner dancing. In January 2005, Edwin participated in a research trip to Cuba with the University of Richmond’s music department, in order to further study the roots of Cuban music and dance.
Amberlyn Sasser has been studying partner dance for the past 4 year and has been professionally teaching for the past 2 years. She was a company member of El Ballet Folklorico Brillante de Cherry Point and has studied dance at VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University).
For more information, feel free to visit their website at www.zabordance.com
Contact: Edwin Roa (434) 227-1709
Mariachi Estrellas
Mariachi Estrellas performs the most exciting and enchanting music the world has come to identify with Mexico – Mariachi. The ensemble has established itself as one of the most outstanding performance groups based in the Nation’s Capitol, performing to audiences which have included diplomats and governmental dignitaries, television personalities, professional athletes and lovers of folkloric music.
Wearing the traditional Traje de Charro, the group weaves musical harmonies and rhythms as colorful as the serapes Mexico is famous for. They showcase the musical and rhythmic variations which have developed in the different regions of Mexico from both a historical and cultural perspective. And, in the tradition of the Mariachi, they are able to perform requests on demand.
As masters of their instruments, they expertly combine the contrasting sounds of the violin, the sharp brassiness of the trumpets, and the deep voice of the Guitarron and the high-pitched voice of the vihuela with a result that is the heart and soul of Mexico.
Performing a midnight serenade under a bedroom window, a wedding, birthday or theme party, musical entertainment provided by Mariachi Estrellas can create an experience to remember.
Contact: Judy Benavides mariachiestrella@hotmail.com
Capoeira Angola FICA (DC)
and
Latin Ballet of Virginia Capoeira (Richmond, VA)
Important information coming soon
 photos: Paige Stevens
Latin Ballet of Virginia
From the passionate fury of flamenco to tango’s forbidden heat, the polished elegance of classical ballet to the earthen power of modern dance, the Latin Ballet of Virginia uses the expressive beauty of movement in its many forms to weave the tales and traditions that are the heart and soul of Hispanic culture. Bringing the culture and history of Spain and Latin America to passionate life through the joy of dance, the Latin Ballet combines technical excellence with a soulful depth of emotion and an unwavering commitment to education, diversity and accessibility.
Founded in 1997, in Richmond, Virginia, under the direction of Colombia, South America native, Ana Ines King, the Latin Ballet of Virginia (LBV) is the area’s pre-eminent Hispanic dance company. Mrs. King has over twenty years of experience teaching, directing and performing in South America and the United States. Since its inception, LBV has grown to offer over 100 classes per week in two dance schools, built a company of twelve professional dancers from throughout the world, fourteen professional musicians and a Junior Company comprised of twenty-five students. Latin Ballet of Virginia has performed throughout Virginia, Washington DC, North Carolina, Florida and at select venues in Central and South America. Productions have benefited the children in Cartagena, Colombia; Zacatecas, Mexico; the Make a Wish Foundation; the Children’s Hospital; and children with special and financial needs in Richmond.
The mission of the Latin Ballet mission is to preserve and promote the Latin American and Spanish cultures, by teaching and performing professionally for diverse audiences in North and South America.
ZUMBA, from Colombia, is a fun aerobic workout dance that combines samba, cumbia, salsa, rumba, and hip hop.
SOULSA, Africa/Caribbean dances. A blend of salsa, African and reggaeton dance forms.
CAPOEIRA, Martial arts/dance from Brazil of African roots.
CARNAVAL, A celebration of life! A dynamic tool for self-expression. In learning about Carnaval, we discover more about ourselves and become more accepting and understanding of other cultures.
History of Carnaval: Many years before the discovery of the New World, the Catholic Church in Italy began the tradition of holding a wild costume festival on the eve of the first day of Lent. The world “Carnival” comes from “Carnevalle” which means “to put away the meat”, because Catholics were not supposed to eat meat during Lent.
As time passed, Italian carnivals became quite famous, and the practice spread to France, Spain and other Catholic countries in Europe. As the French, Spanish, and Portuguese began to colonize the Americas and other parts of the world, they took their Carnival traditions with them.
In the New World, carnivals were strongly influenced by ancient African traditions in which parading and moving in circles through villages while wearing masks and costumes was believed to bring good fortune, heal problems, and calm angry ancestors who had passed into the next world.
Awards and Distinctions:
The Latin Ballet’s educational programs received the Jane J. Baskerville Award 2004 for the best community educational program for the Chesterfield County Public Schools. The LBV training for teachers for the Be Proud of Yourself and the Arts in Educational programs has received an A+ evaluation from the Virginia Start With The Arts and the North Carolina Arts in Education programs. PBS showcased the Latin Ballet with the program of “Danza & Passion” in 2006. The Soul of Virginia Magazine spotlighted the Latin Ballet as “Dancing to a New Beat in Virginia” in 2006. The Richmond Woman Magazine showcased Ana Ines King as “Coffee, Flowers and Ana, Colombia’s Finest Exports” in 2005. The Richmond Magazine named Ana Ines King as an Editor’s Pick “20 Richmonders We Love” most affection for her boundless energy for her art and community in 2007 and Style Magazine named Ana Ines King as one of the “25 most influential artists in Arts and Culture” in Virginia 2007 & 2008.
ODIEE
Beginning in the summer of ’97, Omar Davila a.k.a.“ODIEE”, along with Ludwin and Enrique, formed a group called “KALIENTE” in the city of Guatemala, C.A. They began their artistic career with a record deal with one of the most prestigious record companies in Guatemala. This company took them to both national and international levels. This enabled them to gain the attention of various age groups through radio and the television. With rythms like meren-house, hip-hop and reggae, they quickly became one of the number one groups in Guatemala as well as Latin America.
In '99 Odiee emigrated to the city of Richmond, VA. USA, looking for a better future. It was here he met one of the best DJ's in the city and began his solo career. In '03, after winning many microphone battles, he was invited to record a couple of songs with a Panamenian reggaeton group. At the end of '03, Odiee began communicating with who is now his executive producer," FUNK'A'TOMIK”. Along with his producer, Odiee has formed a series of musical ideas and put them together to complete the first production titled, “RIMAS, ESTROFAS Y ALGO MAS". They have completed his first promotional CD which contains five songs and is now being heard in various cities.
Odiee is hoping to entertain the Hispanic culture in the United States and in all of Latin America through his music.
http://www.myspace.com/odiee1
GTS Dance Team
GTS Dance Team is the Acronym of Geneva's Translation Services. The Group was founded by the President of the Company Geniva Almengor, along with her siters Erika & Evelyn Pretto which are native from Panama. GTS Dance Group was created as an after school program for the Petersburg area to try to get kids off the street. We are a new traditional and urban latin dance group. It's a multi-cultural squad team with various integrants ranging from 16 to 18 years old. GTS Dance Group performs latin dance from all Latin America, such as Hip-Hop, Breaking, Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Calipso, Reggaeton, Dancehall, bachata, Salsa, Merengue. the company strive to share their passion for creating an experience of South American Dance and music which is fresh, youthful and real.
Our mission is to try and provide you with the best in Latin entertainment we have to offer. To make sure yout event is fun and memorable. To expose the community to our rich culture and beautiful dances. To expose the community to our rich culture and beautiful dances. We have such diversity in all of Latin America and want people to know not only one Latin American country but many. We want to motivate, encourage and be a positive role models for all youth in the community.
Giovanny Ponce
Karaoke Performance and MC for the event |
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¿Qué Pasa? Festival September 15, 2007
Noon to 8:00 pm
Title Sponsor: State Farm
Location:
Science Museum of Virginia
2500 West Broad St
Richmond, VA 23220 |
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