Cinco de Mayo - Week 19

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!  Before we begin, I want to wish my mother a very, very happy Mother's Day.  You're the best!  I'm sure you never anticipated your son turning out quite like this.  Hope you're proud of the "Big Wedo"!  And to all the other mothers reading today, a very happy Mother's Day to you as well.  Let's get started.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Cinco de Mayo.  Did you celebrate?  I want to thank the Workman & Temple Family Homestead Museum in the City of Industry, California for inviting Herencia Mexicana to come and perform for their Cinco de Mayo celebration "Romance of the Ranchos".  What a fun day.  More on that in a bit.  This week's blog is all about Cinco de Mayo through a wedo's eyes. 

I had no intention of writing on this topic this week but after having such a great weekend how could I not!  Inspiration is everything, so here we go!  Welcome to week 19!  And a very special welcome to China!  Thanks for joining in on the journey this week!

 

CINCO DE MAYO:

Wikipedia gives us a great explanation of Cinco de Mayo.  Here's what it has to say:

"Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a celebration held on May 5.  It is celebrated in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla, where the holiday is called El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla (English:  The Day of the Battle of Puebla).  It originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War, and today the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.  In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin.  Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day - the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico - which is celebrated on September 16."

Some of this may sound familiar.  My blog, "The Tale of Two Chinas" speaks of Puebla as well.  I recommend you take a look at it and read it.

THE BATTLE OF THE WEDO:

As mentioned in the opening, this year's Herencia Cinco de Mayo performance took place at the Workman & Temple Family Homestead Museum.  I will be sure to post pictures in the future.  What a beautiful place.  We performed outdoors by the large koi pond full of water lilies and colorful koi with the robust and regal family mausoleum in the background.  Although the weather was over cast and windy, people came out for the event.  What a privilege to perform.  Herencia presented the region of Veracruz, which fit the environment perfectly.

We arrived early which allowed some time to mingle among the people who gathered to watch the performance.  This was one of the friendliest groups of people I have performed for, very outgoing folks.  We were warmly received.  I talked with many people who had a genuine interest in the group, the dancing, the costumes and the dancers themselves.  Several parents asked if their children could take pictures with the women who were all decked out in their elegant white laced costumes and carrying their Spanish fans.  

Two thirty arrived and it was show time.  I was ready.  Let the battle ensue!  As I have mentioned in the past, if something can go wrong at performances - it will!  In fact, I have come to expect it and I find myself wondering in anticipation, "What it will be today?"  This one was no exception.  No, no one fell in the koi pond, although that would have been priceless!  Just as long as it wasn't me.  There were some sound system challenges instead.  The volume too low, microphone mayhem and the music cut out to be exact!  Nonetheless, the show must go on and it did.  Despite the sound system upsets, the show went well.  That is until the wedo's solo.  I would have rather fell in the pond.

After finishing my personal best performance of the Veracruz Potpourri song, came my big number to show off my mad folklorico skills in a song called "El Palomo y Paloma."  Now I have spoken many times as to how I have been working on "killing the white gene" and last week I announced to the world that I have indeed "wounded" it.  Apparently the gene has been plotting its revenge and persuaded the rest of the body to participate in its little evil plan to show the wedo who's the boss.  Everything was going great and then I started to do my thing during the segment of the song where the man get down.  My brain was working right and telling my body what to do.  However, the body wasn't listening.  Suddenly I realized my legs and feet were in rebellion and doing their own thing down there.  Total disconnect.

This is not the first time the gene has attacked.  I will share of other folklorico failures in the future.  Now my feet were going a million miles an hour.  I had a smile on my face.  The crowd was loving it and shouting.  I told myself, "Keep calm and carry on!"  Just like the slogan.  I kept going in what was a moment of absolute folklorico freestyle dancing.  I guess it could be considered "true" folk dancing.  It was this wedo's interpretation of folk dance anyways.  OMG!  I could see Richard out of the corner of my mind and he was smiling.................and laughing.  But he did me a favor and kept the crowd cheering so they couldn't hear my footwork.  What a relief when that was over.  We followed that up with a nice performance of La Bruja, where the woman balance candles on their heads while dancing.  Great job, they all finished without dropping them.  That sure made up for my moment. 

After the show, several people pulled me aside to talk with me.  Many asked me for business cards, so that's a good indication that they loved it.  They complimented me on my dancing too.  I think they were just being gracious.  However, Richard pointed out to me that they had nothing to compare it to since I was the only one dancing on stage at that moment.  I suppose had there been several of us dancing it, then my mistakes would have been more obvious.  So the solo act saved the day!  Let me declare to the "white gene", "you may win your battles, but this wedo will win the war!"  Famous last words.

BATTLE WOUNDS:

Besides a bruised ego, I finished the show with some battle scars.  On more than occasion now, I have been assaulted by the safety pins the women use on their bows and belts to hold them in place around their waists.  Cinco de Mayo's show was no exception.  After the show, I became aware of blood.  I had blood on my white camisa guaybera.  The blood came from me.  Who was it that said, "There will be blood"? Or was it, "Let there be blood?"  Oh yeah, it was a movie title. 

Anyways, there was blood.  I had managed to poke my finger again.  I think the "gene" was behind it.  I declare shenanigans!  Safety pins, which are unsafe by the way, and "the gene" are in cahoots, rallying against the wedo to see his demise.  As if the gene was trying to show me what's in my DNA.  Mr. Gene says, "Look at your blood wedo man, you're blood type is O - white!  You can't get rid of me........NEVER!  AH, HA, HA!"  Monday, my costume was off to the cleaners to extract the wedo's DNA and get it nice and white for this weekend's show.  I'm an original, don't get any ideas with that DNA to clone the wedo!  Gotta love show business and all the dangers that come with it!

THE PIGEON DANCE:  EL PALOMO Y LA PALOMA:

El Palomo y La Paloma was one of the specific dances I wanted to learn when I first started folklorico.  Perhaps this stemmed from my fascination of pigeons.  When I lived in the California desert of Banning, California I raised pigeons, bantam chickens, roosters and quail.  I had hundreds of them, all kinds too - Tumblers, Rollers, Helmets, Nuns, Blue Bars, Pouters, Fancy Footed, Fantails, Giant Runts, Curly, Etc.  I had them all.  I was a regular pigeon peddler.  I would go to the LA Pigeon Club and sell my birds in their parking lot sales on a weekly basis.  I should add "pigeon man" to my resume. 

The word "palomo" or "paloma" is defined as either "dove" or "pigeon" depending on the translator.  Doves, in my opinion, are just respected pigeons!  The dance itself is a courtship dance that has movements with the skirt work and arms that represent the flapping and fluttering of wings.  If you have ever watched a male bird try to entice his love interest, you can relate this dance to the behavior a male bird exhibits as he tries to seduce his lady.  My bird had a broken wing that day.

The legend behind this particular dance has a bit of a morbid story line behind it.  This dance is about forbidden love between two cousins.  Oh My, My!  That spices this up a bit doesn't it!  Allow me to break this down and keep it real.  Were talking "kissing cousins" here folks.  Can you believe it?  Hard to believe such a thing when you see all that beautiful costuming and movement on stage.  I suppose you could consider it the original "Forbidden Lover" song.  I had no idea this was the story behind the dance when I started.  I like it all the same.  It will probably end up being the one dance the Big Wedo will be remembered for!   



MESSAGE TO PARENTS:

Although I tried to justify my little episode this weekend by calling it "true folk dancing" and tried to laugh it off and let it go, I have to admit that it bothers me.  To the point that I have been questioning myself as to "What am I doing?" and "Should I even bother to continue?"  Sounds like I'm quitting, just like in the very beginning.  Ok everyone, pity party for the wedo on the count of three.  Ready?  One, Two, Three!  "Awe, poor wedo!  You're just not good enough!"  Now that that's out of my system, I'm ready to carry on.  Thanks for your support and sympathy.

I realize that I am a beginner and these kinds of things are to be expected.  Probably wasn't even as bad as I'm making it out to be.  The fact that these moments happen and are common, way too common if you ask me, doesn't make them any easier to deal with.  Everyone has their moments, good or bad.  This is all part of the performing and folklorico initiation.  The "Rites of passage" or just "Paying my dues" I suppose.  Sometimes I wonder if I am at capacity for my age.  Seems like as I fix certain things, others that weren't a problem suddenly become one.  Obviously I have lots of work to do.  At least my episodes make for some great reading entertainment for you, so it's not all a waste!  There's some optimism for you!

I say this because I want to address parents.  Parents, the one regret I have the most in all this is that I started so late in life.  So my advice to you is to encourage and get your children involved now.  Don't wait.  If they are old enough to walk, then they are old enough to start dancing.  Learn from the wedo!  Get them involved today.   The amazing dancers I see today all started at a very young age.  By the time they were in their prime, late teens and twenties, they were established phenomenal dancers - unstoppable and amazing.  The key is starting young.  Give them this opportunity and gift.  Don't limit their potential.  You can help them get through those embarrassing years while they are still young and people don't care if they mess up or not because they are cute.  I'll be in my 50's before those years pass me.  Oh dear!   

L.A. STYLE:

In college someone told me that you either love Los Angeles or New York City.  It's either one or the other.  Guess they were promoting that East Coast vs. West Coast concept.  Truth is I love Los Angeles!  All of California for that matter.  There's no place better in my opinion.  Don't get me wrong, I like New York City too and I can't wait to dance for all of you there - whether it be interpretive folklorico or the choreographed!  But Los Angeles has a special place in my heart. 

On Saturday night Richard danced at Casa Sanchez Mexican Restaurant in LA.  This place is one of the best places for Mexican food and entertainment in my opinion.  His night started off with a button casualty on his charro suit jacket.  To be more politically correct, he had a wardrobe malfunction.  Thank you Miss Janet Jackson for that terminology.  Thank goodness it wasn't anywhere near as revealing as her Super Bowl show mishap.  On Sunday after our performance, we decided to head downtown to La Casa Del Mariachi - Trajes De Charro to get the button fixed.  I spoke of this place in my blog "What To Wear?".  This shop is located across the street from Mariachi Plaza, the set for the One Big Wedo movie!

To our surprise, the street were closed for a Cinco De Mayo celebration.  What a treat.  We parked the car and joined the festivities.  I even spoke to the promoter of this event because I want Herencia to dance there.  I'm going to find a way to dance in Mariachi Plaza one way or another - movie or no movie, it's going to happen!  Here are a bunch of pictures from all the Cinco de Mayo activity of the weekend.  Taken by the Big Wedo himself!  That would be me.  Enjoy. 



CLOSING:

This visit to Mariachi Plaza brought many more movie ideas to mind that I will be sharing in the future!  In the mean time, as you are reading this, I am off to perform at Our Lady of Assumption School & Catholic Church for my 1 year of performing with Herencia Mexicana celebration show!  Actually, it's officially their Mother's Day annual performance.  Regardless, I hope I nail it!  You will hear about it, however it turns out, next week.  My goals for this week's show:  To leave a great first and last impression.  To hold my own on stage and don't question and follow others if they mess up, thinking that I'm wrong.  Own it Wedo!  Lastly to nail the Veracruz Pigeon dance (El Paloma y La Paloma).  There you have it - this pigeon is outta here!

UPCOMING POSTS:

On week 9 I gave you a list of ideas I was developing for the blog.  Here's an update to wet your appetite.  Let's see which ones make the cut.

"Oh No!  Asthma?" 

"Images of Mexico"

"BF Herencia Mexicana presents Veracruz"

"BF Herencia Mexicana presents Chihuahua"

"BF Herencia Mexicana presents Jalisco"

"BF Herencia Mexicana presents Chiapas"

"BF Herencia Mexicana presents Tamaulipas"

"We Get The Idea, Wedo!"

"Dancing for Obama" or "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington!"

"What A Year!  A Look Back At The First Year Performing"

"The Ministry of Dance"

"Gueros Gone Wild"

"Wet & Wedo"

"Farewell Herencia?"

"The New Herencia"

"Richard Solorzano" or "Oh Ricky You're So Fine!"

"Colorado, Here We Come!"

"Herencia Pride"

"Modern Folklorico History"

"Visions For Folklorico"

"Opportunities"

"Working the Workshops"

"Man Up" or "Razzle Dazzle" or "You Go Girl!"

"Flaming Folklorico!"

"Folklorico Failures" or "The Show Must Go On"

"Tiffs & Tantrums" or "These Boots Were Made For Dancing [and Walking]"

"Movie Update"

"Viva Los Gueros:  I'm So White!"

"Logo Launch!"

"Why A Blog?"

"White Boys Can't Write or Dance or Jump or Sing or........"

"Viva Mariachi"

"Traditions"

"The Day of The Dead"

"Skull Face"

"Thank You's"

"An Evening of Folklorico"

"Meet The Neighbors!"

"Sneak Peak at Season 2"

Anyone else have any ideas I can run with?  Send me your suggestions either by email or Facebook!  And be sure to check out One Big Wedo (Guero) on Facebook for the raffle fundraiser we are having!   

Contact Information for "The Big Wedo":

Google E-mail: onebigwedo@gmail.com
Facebook: One Big Wedo (Guero)
Twitter: Michael Smith @onebigwedo
Blogger: www.onebigwedo.blogspot.com

Contact Information for Ballet Folklorico de Herencia Mexicana:

Richard Solorzano, Director: (909) 201-1957
Facebook: Herencia Mexicana
E-Mail: Bf_herencia_mexicana@yahoo.com

Duarte Studio Practices:
Herencia Mexicana practices on Saturdays from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Please call before coming!

Note: Looking for your own adventure or journey? Herencia is a great place to find one! Herencia Mexicana practices in Duarte, California.  Folklorico lessons and performances are both available. Herencia Mexicana performs for private & public events of all kinds. Book your event today! Herencia Mexicana welcomes new students. No previous folklorico or dance experience required.
All are welcome.

Taking Inventory - Week 18

Week 18!  On a roll!  Welcome Indonesia to the journey!  Thank you for all your support and readership.  I had an enjoyable time dancing in Azusa this past weekend for the city's Cinco De Mayo celebration!  There are many more performances coming up during the next few weeks!  Everyone is welcome to come out on Mother's Day to Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church & School in Claremont, California to watch Herencia Mexicana perform.  I will be celebrating my one year anniversary of performing!  Show starts at 3:00 pm.  In the mean time, enjoy these photos of Veracruz from the Azusa show courtesy of Multicultural California!

During the show, one of the female dancers in the group pointed out to Richard that I had noticeable underwear lines!  Oh no, panty lines! What was she checking out anyway?  Hmmm.  Yes folks, these are the conversations that are happening on stage during a performance!  Now you know what's really going on!  Anyway, I was wearing my tidy whiteys!  Apparently, my designer Calvin Klein undergarment has a gray stitching that was visible through my pants.  I confirmed this when I investigated at home.  Better gray stitching than one brown stripe!  It doesn't help matters that the pants are paper thin to begin with.  Look, you can see the pocket lining right through the fabric.  Does anyone else feel a breeze?  At least the camera didn't pick them up.  Time to invest in some Fruit of the Loom classics.  Perhaps I should develop a line of men's folklorico underwear called "wedos"!  What do you think?  All white briefs that are stylish and supportive with the "no lines" special feature!  Imagine the advertisement.  Go ahead!  Let your mind wander.

Above:  One of my favorite photos of all time!  I'm smiling!

Look at the photo above.  What's that wedo doing?  I like the photo, but the crazy wedo has his eyes closed.  Perhaps I was just having a moment and closed my eyes to savor it.  Plus, my head is facing the wrong direction.  As if to say, "Look at me everybody.  I can travel with my eyes shut!"  Good Grief!  I love photos like this because it bring so much awareness and allows me to fix my mistakes.  We have another performance of Veracruz at the Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum for Cinco de Mayo and I'm determined to nail these dances! 

Last week, in my blog "Ballet Vs. Danza", the "pointed toe" was identified as one of the ballet components of ballet folklorico.  This brought to remembrance that from the beginning, its been emphasized to me to "point the toes" during many of the movements we execute, such as kicks.  In the early days, we did several exercises that emphasised pointed toes.  I found myself pointing my toes as I walked down stairs and telling myself, "Point the toes, Point the toes, Point the toes" as I took each step.  I did that so much it starting sounding like, "Pointed Nose!"  During my first time performing Jarabe Tapitio, I failed to point my toe as I kicked over my partner's head as she knelt to pick up the sombrero towards the end of the dance.  Suddenly I had transformed the dance from ballet to hillbilly!  Hillbilly is yet another form of folk dancing you know!  What can I say, the wedo's inner redneck exposed itself! 

I was told I looked like "Grandma Moses" up there!   Of course, this made me ask, "Who is this Grandma Moses they speak of?"  Which prompted a search, only to find out she was an American folk artist who painted country images.  How fitting!  Fits right into the "folk" family.  Check them out!

My recent blog posts have caused me to take a look at "The Man In The Mirror"!  We've all heard Michael Jackson's hit which declares looking at ourselves first before we point the finger at someone else.  All this talk about taking responsibility, practicing, dedication, technique and so on, has caused me to pause and take inventory and evaluate myself as to where I'm at in this folklorico journey.  Thus resulting in this week's post called "Taking Inventory"!  Enjoy!

TAKING INVENTORY:

Recently, a friend of mine text me to say that they don't know how I do it - I work full time, go to college full time, blog, practice, perform, have a social life, travel and so on.  How does it all fit together and where do I find the time?  Well, it's complicated!  I work 40 to 50 hours a week at my job starting in the early morning.  I blog during my breaks and lunch which occupies about 8 hours of my week.  On Tuesday and Thursday evenings I go to class for 5 hours.  Practices are on Saturdays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and performances are usually on the weekends as well.  It's all about time management.  Somehow it all fits together.

As I mentioned in the beginning, there was a time where I was receiving about 10+ hours a week of formal classroom practice and training.  In addition to that, on occasion I would practice on my own or with another student at home.  Over time, however, as obligations, tasks and responsibilities have increased, personal practice time has decreased.  Plus it doesn't help when your practice partner is "wishy washy"!  Classroom practice time and training has decreased significantly as studio costs and membership loss.  I'm only receiving about 2 hours a week now as the Inland Empire chapter of Herencia Mexicana is no longer assembling.   

GOALS:

What are my goals?  What exactly am I trying to accomplish in my folklorico dancing?  What purpose does it serve in my life?  These are some of the questions I have been asking myself this week as I have been taking inventory.  Ever since joining Herencia in October 2011, I have said my goal is "to be the best white male folklorico dancer who started dancing at the age of 36 with no previous dance experience."  I am a beginner folklorico dancer.

I enjoy learning new things.  I am about to graduate from college on June 2nd.  Another leg of my educational journey finished.  This presents some options.  Do I continue on my educational path and go for the Masters Program?  Do I go take a Spanish course someplace?  Do I enroll in Bartending School, as that is something I also would like to learn?  Do I dedicate my time to the gym?  Do I open another business?  What does Michael want to do?  Or should I devote my free time to the dancing?  How much of a priority do I want to make folklorico?

Although folklorico takes a lot of diligence, persistence and work, I don't want it to become work.  I've enjoyed all my involvement thus far and I want to keep on enjoying it.  It has kept me busy.  But what would I like to accomplish personally with it?  I have pitched the movie idea, National & World Tours and the Herencia & Richard Solorzano book.  What else is there?  I'm glad you asked!  Here a list of some things I would like to accomplish:

• I want to learn a plethora of additional dances from all the regions.  Lots of Polkas!!!!
• I want to perform all over, in various venues and events, for the people. 
• On a more personal level, I want to become a better dancer all around.  Improve on my posture, my attitude, my adaptability and my flexibility.  I want to maintain the repertoire that I have already learned so that it can be performed at a moment's notice.  I want to add to my costume collection.
• I want to assist Richard in restoring Herencia Mexicana BF back to how it was in its prime and create an atmosphere that draws dancers.  Continue working on performing as an ensemble.
• I want to see the china dresses restored.
• I want to keep blogging!  I even have a concept for a One Big Wedo Season Two!
• I want to develop an effective advertising campaign to promote the blog.
• I want to develop a line of folklorico & wedo themed t-shirts & merchandise to support the dance group, provide scholarships and promote folklorico.  The Label:  WE-DO WEAR!
• I would like to produce a show.  An Evening of Folklorico.  Featuring live mariachi, dancers & artwork.   

These are some of the things I would like to accomplish.  I have some other more outrageous ideas I will share in the future.  Stay tuned.

PROGRESS:

How do you measure progress?  I started the journey back in October 2011.  I began performing in May 2012.  I have performed with three dance groups:  Images of Mexico Ballet Folklorico (Images de Mexico), Sol de Mexico Ballet Folklorico and Ballet Folklorico de Herencia Mexicana.  I have attended two folklorico workshops on Guerrero and Tamaulipas.  I've observed one folklorico competition and numerous performances.  I myself have had 21 official costumed performances in the last year.  Then there are the dances themselves.  I counted.  I have performed dances from the following regions:

• Chihuahua - 3 dances
• Tamaulipas - 2 dances
• Jalisco - 2 dances
• Puebla - 1 dance (2 Versions)
• Chiapas - 2 dances
• Veracruz - 5 dances
• Durango - 3 dances

That's a total of 18 dances.  Although they have been performed, they are not perfected and never will be completely.  Always room for improvement.  Plus I want to sustain what I have already learned.  As I get older, I'm finding that I forget things quickly.   Performing these dances gives me a sense of validation and accomplishment.  I'm always evaluating myself and grading my performances, trying to achieve the next level.  It helps when something is so ingrained in your being that it becomes part of who you are.   

I will agree that I have come a long way from no experience to where I am now.  Yes, that is progress.  I have "wounded" the "white gene" with some degree of success!  Also, I mentioned in week 9's post called "Three Challenges" that I wanted to lose a little weight.  Today I weigh 205 pounds!  I've lost six!  That's progress!  Now let's shoot for some muscles!

BEHIND THE SCENES:

Performances are one way of measuring progress but what about all those things that happen behind the scenes?  Warm up routines, techniques building exercises (technica) and all those dances that haven't made it to the stage...yet!  Being in a performing group is challenging because you never know what may be asked of you to dance.  You have to be prepared all the time.  A customer may book a show at the last minute and want certain dances or regions in the show.  This often leads to an interruption of classroom planned material.  So you may be working on one region and learning a dance and then all of a sudden you have to stop and refocus for a show.  Classroom instruction gets broken up.  Some folklorico groups only perform one big show a year.  They will practice an entire year relentlessly to perfect and choreograph every detail.  They don't perform throughout the year but focus just on that one performance.  Herencia is different.

This has been the case all along.  When I first joined Herencia, we were learning Guerrero.  Then a couple shows were booked and we shifted to Veracruz and Jalisco to accommodate the show.  I have never danced the Guerrero on stage.  In fact, there are four Guerrero dances that I have worked on in the classroom and in workshops.  There have been numerous others as well - two dances from Colima, four Chihuahua dances, three dances from Sinaloa, three dances from Yucatan, two dances from Tamaulipas, three dances of Veracruz, One dance from Chiapas, five dances from Jalisco, another variation of Jarabe Tapitio - I'm sure there are others that I have also been exposed to, I just can't recall them at the moment.  I even learned one way to tie the knot for La Bomba!  My point is that these are all in "the works".  I have to keep these all in mind as I take inventory.

AREAS NEEDING IMPROVEMENT:

There are definitely some areas that I can improve upon.  I want to be consistent in the material I have already learned while I continue to move forward learning new material.  I want to have a routine and classroom practices that are consistent.  I want to help address some of the group's internal factors that have an effect on performances.  There will always be external factors that come up at a show that you don't have control over.  There's no need to have internal factors come into play at performances that complicate matters further.  I want to work on my attitude and appearance. 

THE PLAN:

So Michael, you've taken inventory, you have your goals, you know what you need to improve upon - What are you going to do about it?  Here's the plan!

• I'm going to hold off on a Spanish class and bartending school at this time and focus on the dancing.  I am not getting any younger and these are things I can explore later in life!
• Recently, Richard was asked to come teach at Images de Mexico BF.  Therefore, I am going to practice with Images of Mexico Ballet Folklorico on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  This will increase my classroom practice and conditioning time from 2 to 6 hours a week.
• On the days I don't have classroom practice, I am going to practice at home at least 30 minutes a day to review the dances I have learned and drill new material and steps I am learning.  Except Sundays.  Time to set the egg timer just like my mother did growing up when we were practicing piano!
• Go to the gym!  Transform yourself into that Folklorico Adonis! 
• Develop better eating habits.  Establish a healthy diet.  I do great on the carbs.  Overload on them in fact.  Where's the protein? 
• Have designs made up for decals and shirts. 
• Print business card ads promoting the blog.
• Get my teeth whitened.
• Dye my grey hairs.
• Research show venues.

Sounds like a good start.  I will be sure to give you an update on week 27!

UPDATE!

Talk about immediate feedback!  I'm writing this on Thursday and last night I had my first practice with Images of Mexico.  My body is dying!  It's in shock.  Talk about a work out.  This is exactly what I need.  Last night's practice encompassed ballet, yoga, zumba and folklorico!  What a combo.  I'm feelin' it.  I even learned a new Jalisco dance!  Jalisco is always challenging for me.  This one is a fast one too.  Oh My, My! 

Also, this is my last week of classes for college!  Finals this week.  No more college.....at least for now.  Taking a break!

TULIP TIME:

In closing, I want to share about the Tulip Time Festival in Holland Michigan.  The Holland Tulip Festival takes place every year in May.  I participated in the big Tulip Parade several times in High School with the marching band.  I also watched the parade on many other occasions. 

The component of the festival I remember the most is the dancers in the wooden shoes.  The Dutch love to clog in those!  Every year in Holland, Michigan the different dancing groups/chapters descend in mass to compete and show their clogging skills.  Always in full costume.  It's a little like square dancing at times.  And there's high kicks!  Sometimes they kick so high and forcefully that one of those wooden shoes take flight!  A wooden Dutch rocket!  Watch out!

   

As a child I always wanted a pair of those shoes.  I had no money, so I got this idea that I was going to make a pair.  My dad provided me with a piece of Poplar wood and I began to widdle.  It didn't long before I gave up on that.  Too much work.  I never got my wooden shoes.  Poor wedo.  A therapist would probably say that my folklorico dancing is the result of a suppressed childhood fascination with wooden shoes.   That explains everything!

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!  I'm off to dance at the museum.  Have a great week....wedo out!

Contact Information for "The Big Wedo":

Google E-mail: onebigwedo@gmail.com
Facebook: One Big Wedo (Guero)
Twitter: Michael Smith @onebigwedo
Blogger: www.onebigwedo.blogspot.com

Contact Information for Ballet Folklorico de Herencia Mexicana:

Richard Solorzano, Director: (909) 201-1957
Facebook: Herencia Mexicana
E-Mail: Bf_herencia_mexicana@yahoo.com

Duarte Studio Practices:
Herencia Mexicana practices on Saturdays from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Please call before coming!

Note: Looking for your own adventure or journey? Herencia is a great place to find one! Herencia Mexicana practices in Duarte, California.  Folklorico lessons and performances are both available. Herencia Mexicana performs for private & public events of all kinds. Book your event today! Herencia Mexicana welcomes new students. No previous folklorico or dance experience required.
All are welcome.

 

Ballet Vs. Danza? What's the Deal? - Week 17

Welcome, welcome, welcome Mexico! My first reader from Mexico checked in this week!  I love it!  Also Bulgaria and Turkey joined in on the journey!  Welcome!  It's official, Week 16's blog "Heart & Sol" has taken the #1 spot for all time most read One Big Wedo post so far.  WOW!  Thank you.  Several other postings received heavy readership as well!  Keep sharing and let's reach the 3000 page view goal together.  I received a plethora of feedback this week too.  I really enjoy hearing from everyone so keep it coming.

Ballet Vs. Danza:

Often times when words are translated from Spanish into English, much of the meaning gets watered down or lost.  From my understanding, in the Spanish language the words carry a depth to them and implied meaning that just doesn't carry over into the English language very well.  It takes a whole lot of explanation to convey the meaning behind Spanish words.  So as I study and research folklorico in the English language, I think that a lot of the information is vague because we just don't capture the understanding and differentiate between terminology very well.  Therefore, it gets challenging to gain an accurate and thorough understanding at times.  This week's post looks at one such example.

As I have been researching on the web, several terms for Mexican folk dancing have popped up.  Everything from the basic "folklorico" to "ballet folklorico", "danza folklorica", "baile folklorico", "danza folclorica", "folklorico de Mexico" and so on.  Oftentimes, the articles are the same, just one is in English and the other in Spanish, sharing the same pictures and information.  So I assume it is common practice to interchange the different terms and still mean the same thing.  Yet, I believe there are some distinguishing differences.  In the United States, however, I believe all Mexican folk dancing in general gets lumped into the classification of folklorico or ballet folklorico.  

As I starting mingling in folklorico circles, I began to hear the terminology of "ballet folklorico" and "danza folklorica."  I was asked on occasion, "Is your group ballet or danza?"  Hmmm.  What's that all about?  Time to investigate.  Wow, did that ever open a can of worms!  Let's begin with some basic literal translation.  The Spanish word baile is translated as "dance" (noun).  The Spanish word danza is translated as "dance or baile" (noun).  The Spanish term el ballet is translated as "ballet" (noun).  So el ballet is a type/style of baile or danza, yet often I see baile and ballet used the same. 

To complicate the matter further, danza folklorica or danza folclorica is translated as "folk dance".  Baile folklorico is also translated as "folk dancing".  Ballet Folklorico is defined as "folkloric ballet".  Yet in English, the terms Ballet Folklorico and Danza Folklorica, seem to be interchangeable as, while looking up specific explanations and definitions on them in English, Danza Folklorica was defined as Ballet Folklorico.  A bit confusing to say the least.  So this launched a quest for obtaining a better understanding. 

There are numerous resources on the web that give their definitions and philosophies on folklorico.  With so many opinions and interpretations it makes it difficult to come to any definitive conclusion.  There are multiple ideologies on the subject.  Here are some of the definitions of ballet folklorico I've come across.  What is ballet folklorico specifically?  Here are some answers:

• Ballet Folklorico is the style of dance pioneered and founded by Amalia Hernandez in the 1950's.  Some believe that her style is the only true ballet folklorico.  Some resources also imply that there are only a few true ballet folklorico groups in the entire world.  These articles also state that Mexican folk dances are non-changing, although culture changes and choreography my be updated, the dances themselves do not change.  Any alteration to the original ballets gets classified as modern or interpretive dances rather than Ballet Folklorico. 
• Wikipedia states a couple of unique characteristics of what ballet or baile folklorico is:  "A good rule of thumb is if the woman raises her hands about her head (thus showing her legs), it is folklorico."  Another is, "Baile folklorico, literally, "folkloric dance" in Spanish, is a collective term for traditional Latin American dances that emphasize local folk culture with ballet characteristics - pointed toes, exaggerated movements, highly choreographed."  and "Baile folklorico differs from danzas and regional bailes.  "Folk dances", that is, "dances that you will find in the villages, not on stage."" (More on that in the next section)  and lastly, "Folk dance of Mexico (Spanish - baile folklorico) covers a wide range of dance forms that evolved from the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire to about 1750."
• More generalized definitions of ballet folklorico include, "Dances performed from Mexico." and "Mexican folk dancing, especially a program or repertoire of such dancing." and yet another, "stunning and culturally rich dances that display the colorful heritage of Mexico and traditionally have been a way of honoring the Mexican culture." 

To complicate it a bit further, one resource broke ballet folklorico into three catagories:  bailes, danzas and bailes regionales.  Several others catagorized Mexican folk dance into the three forms/catagories of danza, mestizo and bailes regionales.  So what's the distinction between them?  Buzzle.com explains:

Three Forms of Mexican Folk Dance
"The first is 'danza', which is an indigenous ritual dance, performed in religious or community settings.  The second category of Mexican folk dance forms, is 'mestizo', which showcases the western influences on the indigenous dance, in either steps or the theme.  The 'bailes regionales' or the regional dances, are a manifestation of the dance form by each community.  This is usually presented in community or theatrical performances." 

Another resource, ebfedance.org, states this about the three forms:
"There are three major Mexican folkloric dance traditions: 
Danza:  Danzas are indigenous dances generally religious/spiritual in nature, and mostly performed in ritual and community settings.
Mestizo:  Metizos are indigenous dances that reflect European influences in steps, theme, instrumentation and costuming, or some combination of these influences.  They also are generally religious in nature.
Bailes regionales:  Bailes regionales are the type with which most people are familiar.  Most dances presented by ballet folklorico groups in the United States and Mexico are bailes regionales.  The dances, social in origin, are presented in community and theatrical performances.  They reflect the rich cultural heritage and unique characteristics of the regions they represent."

A third resource also follows the same pattern of classifications.  Here is what dance.lovetoknow.com states:
"Danza - the native ritual dance used for religion and community.
Mestizo - Western-influenced dance that has been combined with indigenous form, which is the type of dancing usually presented at Mexican Independence Day celebrations, and other festivals and holidays.
Bailes Regionales are regional dances that are created by individual communities.  As a tourist in Mexico, you will often find these in community theater and dance studio performances."

Just from these three resources you can see that there is some variation to the definitions of the terms.  And if that isn't confusing enough, there are a plethora of dance terms that break down the dances themselves into categories such as polkas, waltzes, chostize or "schottische" and so on.  So basically, I have concluded that there are the broad general umbrella terms of "Ballet Folklorico" or "Danza Folklorica".  Then you have the sub-categories of danza, mestizo and bailes regionales.  Under the sub-categories come all the sub-sub categories of more specific dances.  OMG!  How do you see it?
One maestro stated this, "Danzas are traditional dances/movements that were executed by the native indigenous people to celebrate the day of their patron saint, the coming of the harvest, a religious offering to obtain a wish from a certain deity, or a simple way to celebrate a specific event. Danzas date back long before the Spanish conquest. Bailes in Mexican folklore are dances that were imported mostly from Europe and different parts of the world. They came to Mexico with a certain technique and rules that had to be followed in order to execute them. Danzon and the Polka being perfect example of it. Mexico has a tremendous influence from many countries around the world, however, the styles of dances that we inherited had specific steps, counts, and movements that had to be done to be considered authentic. Danzas are more of a lyrical expression of the people. It is their way to express a certain feeling through movement and dance."

TAKING IT A STEP FURTHER:

So far we've explored the text book definitions and explanations.  I want to return to the question, "Are you ballet or danza?" or "Is your group ballet or danza?"  What is really meant by these questions?  What are they truly asking and wanting to know?  It's funny how the meaning of terms change in modern vernacular.  American society loves to reinvent and reassign meaning to words.  As society changes, so does its vocabulary.  What once meant one thing, now means something else.  For example, the word "gay."  Take a moment to catch your breathe.  I can hear several of you saying, "I can't believe he went there!"  Allow me to explain.  There was a time in history that gay meant "joyously happy."  However, in modern society, it needs no further explanation.  We all agree the meaning has changed.  Or has it?

I wonder if the terms ballet and danza might also be taking on new meaning or implication in dance terminology.  As I was doing my text book research, I came across two interesting pieces of information.  One was an article, another was a classification.  The article was about some ballet photos that had been apparently tagged or labelled as danza in the media.  The tone of the article seem to suggest that this was potentially offensive.  It carried an air of disgust.  As if danza is somehow beneath ballet.  The article expressed that the dancers were good sports about it and were not offended; however, they had every right to be!

The second piece of information I came across was a classification.  One resource listed ballet folklorico as [fine] "art."  The same resource listed danca folklorica as [dance] "sport."  So is danza folklorica like Mexican  "Zumba" now?  I realize that competitive ballroom dancing is classified as a sport and can be seen time to time on sports television network channels.  Also, The International Olympic Committee recognizes competitive ballroom dancing now.  But the classification of "sport" seems to separate it from being "art".

This whole idea of "ballet vs. danza" and "art vs. sport" reminds me of my days in college.  While I was shopping around for colleges to study music, during my senior year of high school, I became aware that a music conservatory would be a better option.  A music conservatory is completely dedicated to music rather than a college that is dedicated to multiple areas of study.  I was accepted into Wheaton Conservatory of Music in Illinois.  I was also accepted into Wheaton College, a partnering institution, to get the general education classes and pursue a liberal arts degree.  The Conservatory itself had students of all ages. 

Shortly after arrival on campus, the "attitude" of the Conservatory became quite evident.  Conservatory students were classically and "properly" trained musicians.  I went there to study Vocal Performance.  Therefore much of what I studied was opera music, German Lieder, Italian & French classics, etc - all the great composers.  A very sophisticated and proper education.  Pop music wasn't acknowledged as music, it was noise.  Musical Theater was snubbed too.  If you wanted to study musical theater then you had to go to the college and enter into a Communications program.  So operatic studies were fine art and musical theater was considered communication.  Sounds like the same thing in the dancing world.  Ballet is classically trained dancers whereas danza is something else - sport.

On a side note, I find it interesting that there is classic opera and modern opera.  Modern opera tends to be more theatrical in my opinion.  Many of the musical theater productions I have seen recently are very operatic in style.  More and more opera singers are crossing over and I feel the lines are blurring a little.  If there is truly a difference between ballet folklorico and danza folklorica, then perhaps what's happening is similar to the blurring in opera and musical theater as dancers from both sides are crossing over and infusing their technique into the dances.  Just a thought.

Anyways, let's run with this whole idea of modern vernacular.  Here are some of the definitions I use to define the terms ballet and danza based on this argument:

Ballet = traditional, Danza = modern/interpretive
Ballet = Academy Trained, Danza = Street Trained
Ballet = Fine Art, Danza = Sport
Ballet = Theatrical & Staged, Danza = Local & Common
Ballet = Accomplished/Professional, Danza = Amateur
Ballet = Authentic/True, Danza = Counterfeit
Ballet = Graceful Movement, Danza = Rapid Footwork
Ballet = Classic, Danza = Contemporary & Popular
Ballet = Old School, Danza = New School
Ballet = Refined, Danza = Impure
Ballet = Enduring, Danza = The Latest Dance Fad

How far should we run with it?  We could go on and on, but I think you get my point.  So when someone asks me the question of whether I'm "ballet or danza?", they are really asking me what training and background I come from.  That's how I see it. 

I frequently come across the terms "danza ballet" and "baile ballet" in my web searching as well.  Baile ballet is associated with traditional ballet.  Danza ballet is associated with contemporary ballet.  All folklorico dancing is an adaption of the original, true and authentic folk dances from Mexico.  All the original folk dances have been altered and modified to some degree.  Even the ballet folklorico developed by Amalia Hernadez.  It's all modern.  This would lend to the thinking that the "ballet" would only imply to the nature/styling of the folklorico.  I would also argue that if folk dancing originally was an expression that followed no set rules, then danza folklorica would be more of an original, authentic and true form.  The explosive use of ballet came afterwards in the 1950's.  So might I suggest "ballet danza folklorico" is a more accurate term.

I have taken folklorico workshops where maestros point out various elements of the dances they are teaching.  Often they point out the infusion of ballet movement in the dance.  So regardless of whether I am aware of it, or "properly" trained and educated about it, I am doing the ballet aspect of the dance because it's built into it.  I also want to point out that some people with high society and/or fine art mindsets tend to respect the dancing more when performed in theaters and "proper" settings.  You can do the same dances in a theater and suddenly they're art.  Perform them on the street and they are a cute self expression of  folkloric dance.  Likewise, singers that perform opera outside on the street are labelled "street musicians" and opera singers on stage are considered "Divas, Stars & Artists."  Give me a break. 

Perhaps I am over doing it here.  I am being dramatic for the purpose of making my point.  Exaggerating.  I just find it awkward that someone would ask "Ballet or Danza?" and I am trying to make sense of it all.  Perhaps it was just an anomaly that I was asked this question.  Anomalies happen!  A wedo doing Mexican folk dance is another one!  It's fun to think about nonetheless. 

CONCLUSION:

Whew, that was exhausting!  I hope you enjoyed it.  Exploring all the details, analyzing and theorizing is fun.  There's plenty to learn if you want to.  All depends on how deep you want to go.  Being informed and educated can really develop and enhance the appreciation of it.  However, it doesn't necessarily make you a better dancer in technique.  That only comes with discipline and practice.  Someone can enjoy dancing and/or observing it without knowing all the specifics.  Connoisseurs and impassioned students often desire a deeper knowledge of it. 

There are obviously many different schools of thought on folklorico and sometimes the terminology and meanings get confusing.  They don't always agree.  I believe if I were to be studying this in Mexico and in Spanish it would be much more clear and precise.  Regardless of the grey areas and different contexts of thinking, I enjoy it.  At the end of the day, I just want to dance all of it whether it be ballet, danza, baile, folclorica, folklorico or whatever you want to call it. 

OTHER NEWS:

All this talk about my days in music conservatory brought several memories to surface.  Another interesting thing about my experience there was I had to choose a specific instrument of focus.  I played french horn and sang.  I was told that I had to choose my instrument, either the horn or my voice.  I couldn't do both.  One area of focus only.  They wanted you to be specific.  I went to conservatory for voice and that's what I auditioned for during the application process.  I thought it would be fun to play my horn in the orchestra on the side.  But that was against the rules.  So I dropped playing the horn and focused all my attention on voice.  Yet, all vocal students had to be piano proficient and pass a test.  So I studied piano for a bit until I passed my piano proficiency examination.

The ultimate goal was to achieve a level of perfection in your chosen instrument thus creating a demand for your skill and the opportunity of making a career of it.  I suppose that if I were to solely focus on polkas, I would learn a whole lot of them and do them well, which I think would be a lot of fun personally.  However, my audience would be limited because who wants to watch 45 minutes if straight polkas?  Boring!  Folklorico dance groups really have to be diversified in the various regions in order to put together a show that appeals to the masses.  I suppose I could be part of a show and just do my polka segment.  "Call Mike!  He's the polka man!" 

As I mentioned earlier I received a lot of feedback this week.  I encourage everyone to check out my Facebook page:  One Big Wedo (Guero) and read the comment left on my timeline status announcing last week's blog.  Multicultural California shared some of the experience of the El Mitote show with Sol de Mexico Ballet Folklorico and I believe that many of my readers would find it interesting to read.  Check it out! 

I also wanted to share this Peanuts cartoon that one of my followers sent me:

Check out this Facebook status someone else shared with me:

In closing, I wanted to clarify some things regarding my Week 15 post called "Commitment Failures & Uncertainty."  I anticipated feedback and back lash from people and I got it.  Some felt I came across too cold and acute.  I've always been a direct person.  Others felt that I over emphasized technique and failed to acknowledge a person's heart and passion for dancing.  A recent Facebook quote I read moved me to respond.  Here's the statement:

"Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with your heart is another.
~author unknown"

I apologize if I have failed to mention and address people's motivations for dancing.  I will agree that I have focused strongly on the perfection and technique aspect and downplayed the heart.  I suppose I'm focusing so much on technique because I am new to all this.  Allow me to share two experiences I've had in my life.  One was at a Karaoke bar.  A gentleman got up and sang "New York, New York"!  His voice was nothing much and he couldn't carry a tune to save his life, but he had passion.  He radiated energy.  He sang his heart out that night and he was so entertaining to watch that people were out of their seats and on their feet cheering him on.  His heart was in it and no one cared if he was technically good or not.  His energy, passion, enthusiasm and heart superseded everything that night which carried him through and resulted in a stellar performance that was uplifting and entertaining.

The other experience was one that occurred over 20 years ago while studying electronic music for a research paper I was writing on the subject.  Part of that research included a NOVA television show episode that was on PBS that explored electronic music.  NOVA was a weekly documentary series that probed into educational subjects.  During the program they played some opera performed by an amazing coloratura soprano.  She sang an aria.  She was absolutely astounding.  Beautiful voice.  However, she didn't actually exist.  It was a completely computer generated voice.  Certainly albums and recordings of this "singer" could be sold and no one would ever know that she didn't actually exist.  I bring up this example because I want to articulate that there is a passion and "heart" that only a living human can bring to the stage.  It may be recreated technically, but in live performance - only the genuine human factor can bring it to life on the stage.

I have no doubt that there are many people that have a heart for folklorico dancing.  I have no doubt that there are people who truly love to dance folklorico.  I believe that if your heart is in it, then it will also reflect in your attitude and the atmosphere that you bring into a group.  You can teach people technique, but you can't teach them heart.  You can show them what it looks like, but they have to choose to have it and let it show.  People with heart and passion strive to be technically proficient.  They practice and are driven people.  In my week 13 post, "Competition Movie Time" I shared about my experience at a folklorico competition.  The group that took first place in the adult competition were the underdogs in a sense because they were a newer group on the scene.  There were several well known, strong and technically better groups that competed that day.  What set this group apart?  Heart!  They were truly winners and brought heart, soul, enthusiasm, passion and technique in a balanced way that set them apart from the others.  They didn't solely depend on heart to "sell it", they had technique too. 

Lastly, to those who question my "heart" and think that I am disqualified from having it in my folklorico dancing because I am not Mexican and do not personally have the cultural heritage and upbringing.  Perhaps they are right that I will never "own it" in that personal sort of way.  I understand that there is a pride of the Mexican heritage and something deeper involved.  All I can say is that I can relate in that there have been times I have felt a sense of Patriotism to the United States.  I imagine it is the same feeling Mexican people have toward their homeland as well. 

We all have a rich cultural heritage that is unique and special to us.  An interesting fact in my family bloodline is that I had relatives that came over on the Mayflower.  I'm sure we can relate to one another in that we all have a heritage and embrace it in out own ways.  I was not born in Mexico, true.  I will never know what it was like first hand to be raised living in Mexico, speaking the language and experiencing the life there.  However, I did live with a Mexican family for ten years and learned much from them about their way of life and culture.  I have had the privilege of experiencing Mexico during my early years in California and my trips south.  I have also experienced Mexico through the folklorico.  No, that doesn't make me Mexican.  But it has given me an understanding and respect for the people, heritage and the culture.  And I am going to give as much heart in my dancing as I've got.

At the end of the day, critics will be critics.  I will always have my critics as I am not true and authentic to the region.  I get to enjoy being the critic of my critics!  One Big Wedo is just my sole experience of folklorico.  I'm just one person.  A different wedo may have a completely different experience and perspective all together.  This one is mine.  So there you have it - wedo out!     

Contact Information for "The Big Wedo":

Google E-mail: onebigwedo@gmail.com
Facebook: One Big Wedo (Guero)
Twitter: Michael Smith @onebigwedo
Blogger: www.onebigwedo.blogspot.com

Contact Information for Ballet Folklorico de Herencia Mexicana:

Richard Solorzano, Director: (909) 201-1957
Facebook: Herencia Mexicana
E-Mail: Bf_herencia_mexicana@yahoo.com

Duarte Studio Practices:
Herencia Mexicana practices on Saturdays from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Please call before coming!

Note: Looking for your own adventure or journey? Herencia is a great place to find one! Herencia Mexicana practices in Duarte, California.  Folklorico lessons and performances are both available. Herencia Mexicana performs for private & public events of all kinds. Book your event today! Herencia Mexicana welcomes new students. No previous folklorico or dance experience required. All are welcome.