Shout out to my Ayodele Family in Chicago! We had a great class in June where we had live music from our talented drummers. Dancers learned Mapale: an Afro-colombian dance from the Atlantic coast of Colombia. Followed by Culo'e Puya: an Afro-venezuelan dance from the Barlovento region of Venezuela. We had a sweaty blast! Thanks all for coming out! Mwah!
Another shout out goes to my Alyo Children's Dance Theater family. We also had a class in June with some live drumming of Afro-venezuelan rhythms. We did Tambor Veleño and Tambor de Aragua. Another great time with some surprise students :) Thanks Mama Ki!
I definitely want to say thanks to everyone who came out to the Diaspora Dance and Rooted Afrikans film showing and fundraiser. We showed the excellent film "Tambores de Agua" which traces a cultural tradition from Venezuela to Cameroon. The donations went to helping an Afro-Colombian sister, Dorina Hernandez complete her education in Cartagena, Colombia.
Here is Dorina on the left with some members of Rooted Afrikans and Afro-Colombian activists. She has tirelessly worked towards the ethno-education and recognition of rights for African descendants in Colombia. Te queremos mucho Dorina!
A big Asante Sana goes out to everyone who donated from their own resources and organizations so that we could share with our Afro-venezuelan family. We gave school supplies to the town of La Sabana and La Arenita and books of positive African images to several children. We were able to bring African fabrics for the music and dance groups. Asante Sana to Mama Akosua Gross and Mama Aris White for sharing the idea of bringing school supplies. It was much needed! Howard University also donated Jazz music for the musicians. Students at Barbara A. Sizemore Academy donated a mask - thanks Baba Lance and students!
Quiero agradecer el Fundación Bigott para siempre dándome la bienvenida. Este año fue estupendo en las clases de tambor con el profesor Jose y Eiker y también la clase de tamborterapia con mi profesora Ester. Y un gran gracias y abrazo al profesor Carlos Arcila. Gracias a los estudiantes, profesores y mi familia Bigott, nos vemos pronto!
Un gran abrazo a mi familia de danza en Venezuela. Grupo Madera!!! Siempre es un buen momento. Hicimos una versión de Dundunba y fue fantástico! Los quiero a tod@s!
Tambíen quiero agradecer mi amigo Scott para conectarme con el Cumbe de Mujeres para una clase tan divertidooooo! Fue muy bonito - gracias a todos mis alumnos y mi tamboreo :)
A great shout out to my Diaspora Dance musicians, singers and dancers who played so excellently in 2011. Thank you for your dedication, support and love for sharing our culture. Nos tocaremos en 2012 :)
Gracias a Heather Hodges, my secret mentor for sponsoring and supporting many activities that support my love for our culture. A super Arepa awaits you when you're ready ;)
Gracias a todos y todas que me ayudaron en Venezuela desde Caracas hasta la costa. Mi amigo Ronald Rodriguez, y su familia. Mi tío Felicito y su familia; Luisa Madriz y familia; los profesores, alumnos y asistentes en la Universidad Argelia Laya. También Layla y amiga de los EEUU.
So a big thank you to everyone who has been a part of my life in 2011!
Below is a chocolate bar created by the Venezuelan government that supports the many Afro-Venezuelan cocoa farm owners and workers. It's called Cimarrón which means Maroon in Spanish. Love it!!! Come to Venezuela in 2012 and see the factories and purchase some chocolate yourself!
If you are interested in the tour, e-mail diasporadance@gmail.com
Muchas gracias a todos y todas que fueron parte de mi vida en 2011! Espero que tenemos un año mas fino en 2012 :) Un gran abrazo! Tu hermana, Mesi
