Feels like yesterday that I was walking through the streets of Tokyo, Japan. I've been to many countries and Japan remains to be my favorite. I'm across the world and I still go out of my way to explore their amazingly beautiful culture.
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| Yoko, La Japonesa Salsera |
On November 4th, I went to Las Chicas Locas to meet with Yoko, a Japanese Salsera, and I have to say it was a great pleasure. Having someone that originated from the Japanese culture interested in my Spanish culture made me feel a great connection. She started when she was 15 years old, fronting a local band in Osaka, Japan. Eventually she got involved with Jazz music and this lead her to join a Salsa band. She has an album out with many musical pieces.
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| Frankie Martinez |
Shortly after, we moved on to You Should Be Dancing...!, a NYC dance center, where we met with salsa dancer Frankie Martinez. Frankie Martinez, the founder and choreographer of the Abakua Afro-Latin Dance Company, told us a little bit about himself and what the dance company has in mind for the year. He is an extremely disciplined man, having served in the U.S. Navy and a 4th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. He helps others understand the Afro-Caribbean roots by telling stories in his dances.
This Monday, November 8th, the Abakua Afro-Latin Dance Company went on stage for the International School of Prospect Heights in Brooklyn as part of their Tour of Schools. The Tour of Schools initiated in October 2010 during Hispanic Heritage Month at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts; its aim is to enrich students’ education by providing free performances and workshops across the 5 boroughs. Not only will these kids have a beautiful performance, but they'll be inspired to explore cultural dances a lot more.
Their first performance, "Children of a Groove", was a story based on where they grew up. "Born from rhythm and bred towards melody, we are not its slaves but its offspring." - The Abakua Afro-Latin Dance Company
Their second performance, "The Life and Death Of Suzy Q", was a story based on the wonder of evolution, life’s way of adapting to the ever-changing world around us. Suzy Q is a young lady that has become an old memory. Everything around us has changed, the world has changed swiftly, but when we look closely, it has been tremendous. They took this dance as an opportunity to show and celebrate how they have evolved.
After a few interviews with the talented Salsa dancers on the red carpet, we had a live Salsa band play at the Lounge where everyone was enjoying the music and dancing. Afterwards, the Salsa dancers themselves came and did a short, yet fabulous dance for the fans to enjoy. 
