One Big Wedo (Guero): The Journey of an American Folklorico Dancer!

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Dancing At Disney California Adventure - Week 37

In the midst of summer, another invitation came from Ballet Folklorico Sol de Mexico to join them for a couple of their upcoming performances. You may recall my first account of performing with them back on week 16 in a post called "Heart & Sol". That post holds the rank as the #2 all time most read blog post. Anyway, first up on the calendar this time, Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California. So Richard and I found ourselves once again at practices at the Sol studio in Riverside, California on Monday nights. There was just one catch, they wanted me to dance Jalisco!

Now, if you have followed my blog, you know how I am challenged with Jalisco. You also know my rule of dancing regions with other dance groups that I dance with BF Herencia Mexicana. Why? Because learning multiple variations of the same dance for the same region can lead to confusion! What to do? Break the rule! Alright I'll do it! Besides, the best thing you can do for something you struggle with is to tackle it head on. Right? I was up to the challenge. Plus, I haven't had a performance since Colorado and this was Disney after all. You can't pass up an opportunity like that! And I had never been to California Adventure either. Besides, it was only two dances to completely different music arrangements, so I accepted the invite. Have I justified myself enough? Thank you Sol for the invite and this fun filled opportunity!

Between practices with BF Sol de Mexico, BF Herencia Mexicana and Images Of Mexico, along with the heat in the warehouse, I lost some weight! The week before the show I got my official BF Sol de Mexico T-shirt, Size Large! Not XL or XXL! Whoop Whoop! I feel official and skinny! The best compliment I got from the show was that my stomach looked flat in my charro! That made my day! I was so flat-tered by the compliment! Of course, that didn't deter me from visiting Ghirardelli Chocolates at the park. They give out free samples by the way!

Since September was booking up with lots of performances, it was time for some new dance boots to perform in. I have been using the same pair since I started this journey back in 2011 and they are worn and dull. Folklorico boots can be costly. Rather than buying the more expensive Miguelito's or Duran dance boots, I went with the Karina's Dance Shoes brand. They're more affordable and are durable. Plus, when you are dancing all over the place for both private and public events, a lot of times you end up dancing on concrete which eats your boots up quick. Which means you have to replace them more often. So Karina's are the shoes for me!

Here are some photos of my new boots. Aren't they nice and shiny? Let's see how long that lasts! I kept my old boots for practices. Might as well keep them around until they are completely shot and fall right off my feet! I want to get my monies worth! My new boots are for performances only! My new black boots were christened at Disney, now that's a great start!

I don't think I've ever shared with readers the boots themselves in detail. Folklorico boots are a form of musical instrument in my opinion. The dancer creates music with them as they tap away! What causes the noise? Nails! That's right, nails! Check it out, the heel and toe of the boots are nailed to death! That's what creates all the sounds when you are dancing! There are all kinds of foot movements, steps and tricks to cause the sound to vary. Maestros "tap" into this possibility to create masterful musical dance art. And you just thought we were all just stompin' our feet! There is a skill and artistry to it!

Back to Disney! The Disney Community Arts Showcase is a program that the theme parks offer to Southern California performers of various kinds - dancers, singers, musicians and the like. The program is a fun opportunity for groups to present their material at the park to an audience composed of visitors and locals. Several folklorico groups have participated in this program. Not surprising, as folklorico is part of the Greater LA and So. Cal culture and visitors here typically want to experience the local culture as part of their vacations!

The day began bright and early! The park opened at 9 am sharp and we were there ready! We had a few hours of free time until showtime, so we did the whole park thing! Here's some pictures of our California Adventure adventure! I really enjoyed my first visit to the park! My first purchase of the day? A hat! All that white turns red in the sun!

There are so many more Disney characters now than when I was a kid. What ever happened to Chip and Dale? Are they still around? Guess Richard could be Chip and I will be Dale. Together we'd make Chippendales! Now there's a show for you! But not at Disney! It's all about family entertainment!

As showtime neared, we all met together and took a group photo before heading backstage to get dressed for our performance. Check it out:

Once backstage, we were told no personal photos were to me taken. However, Disney's photographer took this photo of us right before we headed out to the stage! See if you can spot me in the picture!

The show took place on the Hollywood Backlot Stage. Our time slot: 12:50pm! Fortunately, the stage is nicely covered and away from direct sunlight. It was still toasty however. Not even the daily heat endurance test at the warehouse was enough to prepare me. Heat zaps your energy away, let me tell you! Even still, it didn't stop us and the show went well.

Sol presented the regions of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Jalisco. Here are some pictures of my performance of the Jalisco closing of the show. So thrilled to have this experience! Sol uses blue bow ties and a sash as part of the charro ensemble!

I've mentioned in a previous post how much I enjoy Sol's Baja dances. Add their Tamaulipas dances to that list! Choreographer Stevan Flores did an amazing job on these dances. Great movement and use of the stage and I really was captivated by them. Perhaps, I'll get a chance to perform them one day with their group! Herencia dances the Tamaulipas region, but not these specific dances, so we're safe!

After the show we exited the stage, changed, the rest of the day was ours! But before we took off, Disney presented the group with this plaque for their participation in the program. Thank you Disney! There are some additional potential performances for me coming up between now and the end of the year at Disney. I will be sure to keep everyone informed. "Like" my Facebook page "One Big Wedo - Guero" to get performance notices and Big Wedo photos!

As I shared last week, Disney animator Cynn Marie sketched this drawing of me at the park. Wanted to reshare it just in case some of you missed last week's post. If you did, well go back and read it! Don't miss out!

As I also mentioned in last week's post, I performed with Ballet Folklorico Mi Tierra at Plaza Mexico in Lynwood, California on Sunday for the Festival Colimense. There were some Latin celebrities there and the show was televised on Estrella TV. Here are some photos from the show! This was my first time dancing with Ballet Folklorico Mi Tierra and I thought my personal performance ranked right up there among my own personal best! It was my first time performing Colima as well !

I wanted to recommend a Facebook page. Visit and "Like" Dia de Los Muertos USA. This is a new event coming to Cochella Valley in November 2014. I found some of their posts and links interesting. You might also! Check it out.

I want to personally thank all the people who have contributed to all my blogging success by sharing and promoting/recommending my blog. Also, thanks to all the media websites and pages that have endorsed it as well. Brazil checked in this week! Welcome! My hope is that I contribute to the overall general interest in this fun art form and spark people's interest in learning more and perhaps, trying it out themselves!

Best moment of the weekend? Performing, yes! But the best was a little boy who came to talk to me at the show who was in awe of my height. As I stood there in my charro suit, his mother encouraged him to take an interest in folklorico too. Mission accomplished! Perhaps I just found my replacement! Awesome!

In closing, I want to share this picture of "the shoe"! Now I have told readers that something always seems to happen that you didn't anticipate at every show. For this dancer at Disney, it was a broken heel! During the course of dancing, it snapped right off! Wow! Better a folklorico shoe than Cinderella's glass slippers! That would have been a disaster! Until next week my peeps, 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

Note: Looking for your own adventure or journey? Herencia is a great place to find one! 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.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

And The Winner Is... - Week 36

Welcome back! Hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day weekend! I sure did! I had the pleasure of dancing at Disney's California Adventure with Ballet Folklorico Sol de Mexico! Be sure to come back and read all about it in next week's post! Before we get started, a special welcome to Portugal and United Arab Emirates for joining in the journey this week! It's great to have you both along! Let's get going!

August 31, 2013 concluded my contest for a One Big Wedo designed logo. Thank you to all those who showed interest. Although I received lots of emails regarding interest in the contest, only one person entered my contest with six logo submissions! Check them out:

Thank you Ismael Nunez of California for your multiple logo entries and congratulations for being the One Big Wedo logo contest winner!

Upon notifying Ismael of his big win of the $100 prize, he surprised me by telling me he wanted the $100 to be reinvested into the group to support the folklorico arts! Wow! I was so impressed with his decision that I decided to match his contribution dollar for dollar, $100 is now $200 and will be used towards providing costumes, costume restoration, studio fees and folklorico lesson scholarships to Herencia dancers. Thank you Ismael for your generous gift and I will definitely keep you and readers updated as to how the money was invested. Perhaps we can start on restoring the china dresses I wrote about in my blog "A Tale of Two Chinas"! That would be exciting!

As mentioned earlier, on September 1st we danced at Disney! While there in the park, I had one of their animators draw up this picture of me! Thank you to Cynn Marie for the picture! Too much fun!

This weekend I will be performing at Plaza Mexico in Lynwood, California. We will be performing two dances from Colima. This will be my first time dancing the region. Sort of reminds me of Jalisco a little bit. Here is what Wikipedia says about Colima:

Colima (Spanish pronunciation: [ko'lima]), officially Free and Sovereign State of Colima (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Colima), is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, make up the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It shares its name with its capital and main city, Colima.

Colima is a small state located in the Western Mexico region on Mexico's central Pacific coast. It shares borders with the states of Jalisco and Michoacán. In addition to the capital city of Colima, the state's main cities include Manzanillo and Tecoman. Despite being the fourth smallest entity in Mexico with the lowest numerical population, the state has one of Mexico's highest standards of living and lowest unemployment.

These Colima dances were taught to the group by Kareli Montoya, Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles, who studied and performed at the Ballet Folklorico de la Universidad de Colima, directed by folklorico icon, Rafael Zamarripa.

Later, Richard Solorzano provided choreography for them. You may recall me writing about these Colima dances back on week 22 in my post called "The World Of Workshops". If you haven't read that one yet, go take a look at it!

In other news, I want to thank the City of Azusa Recreation Department for the opportunity to perform at their Azusa Senior Center Fiesta Event. As you may recall, we danced at the city's Cinco de Mayo Festival last May. They enjoyed Herencia Mexicana's performance and invited us back to perform for this event. Thank you! Read about the "Cinco de Mayo" show in my post entitled just that!

This week's post is extra short because I want to get started on writing next week's already! Plenty of fun stuff to write about there! In closing, I want to share this image of a beautiful china we saw at Disney. Ballet Folklorico Mixteco, East LA danced at California Adventure on Sept 1st as well! This dress really stood out to me. It's the one at the end, on the right, with the sun on the front. Very nice. The girl wearing it made the china and did all the sequin work herself. What a labor of love. Of course, all the china dresses made quite an impression.

BF Mixteco will also be performing at the LA Fair on the same day as Herencia. Perhaps audience members will get the chance to see this china in person! Hope everyone can come out to the fair and see the shows! Until next week everyone, Wedo out!

Just a quick update to last week's post "Ideas for Folklorico"! Moby's new video for "Perfect Life" was released this week! Is that timing or what? Click the link below to watch it!

http://youtu.be/MoDWmXQmaXE

Friday, August 30, 2013

Ideas For Folklorico - Week 35

Hello! Welcome back! Hopefully I will publish this week on schedule! Don't want to fall behind again. My first reader from Israel checked in this week! Welcome aboard the journey! Always, lots going on! Next week's post will reveal the logo contest winner! Be sure to check back and find out who won and the logo that I selected!

It never ceases to amaze me all the feedback, folklorico headlines and media people forward to me. I get emails and Facebook messages all the time from people asking me if I have seen this video or read that article? I enjoy all the stuff people have shared with me. This week I am going to share some of these things with you and more ideas of my own. I already pitched the movie idea, but wait! There's more! Let's get started!

Recently on America's Got Talent, this folklorico trio performed. Congratulations guys! Click on the link below to view the YouTube video. What great exposure for folklorico!

http://youtu.be/8ykp-YVpGPU

Ballet Folklorico Mestizo - Machete

Another television show that I have been waiting to see folklorico dancing on is Dancing With The Stars. Apparently in Mexico, there is a similar sort of show. And guess what? Yep, they do folklorico dancing! Click on the links below to view some of the YouTube videos of the show. The show is called "Mexico Baila".

http://youtu.be/-cY388i4nWk

Veracruz

http://youtu.be/5OI2DvnaLp0

Tamaulipas

I had my own idea for a television show for Spanish television. My concept was called "Folklorico Battle"! Folklorico Battle would be a show where people, without folklorico experience per say, learn folklorico routines to famous songs. Then they compete live against each other, battling it out for the title! A panel of judges decides who performs the best and selects the winner from the group of contestants. But wait, there's a catch! The winner has to duke it out on the dance floor against the Wedo! "Bring out the Wedo," everyone shouts! The Wedo comes out and tries to out dance the contestant in a dance both learn the week of the show. In other words they, "Dance for their life!" The audience votes and if the contestant wins, they get a cash prize. If the Wedo wins, he gloats in his victory.

Someone mentioned to me that the blog itself would make an interesting reality tv show. People would enjoy seeing me getting my butt kicked at practices and then going out and performing, as well as seeing all the behind the scenes costume prepping and dancer drama. Might be fun. Wonder what they would call it? There's certainly enough activity going on to keep a folklorico show interesting. It could happen, who knows? I'm down. Perhaps there could be an episode where I teach the cast of "Little People, Big World" a folklorico routine! That would be a reality tv show featuring a reality tv show! Too much reality?

Someone else recommended I write a book. Perhaps, I will someday about Richard's dance career and the history of his dance group, Herencia Mexicana. My story I've already shared here in this blog. Now if they develop it into a movie or incorporate it with a movie plot, that would be cool! But who knows, perhaps I will go on to write a book, especially if we go on a world tour next year or I perform for the President. It could happen! And not just for President Obama, but President Enrique Pena Nieto as well!

I'm surprised that more mainstream pop artists have not embraced folklorico dancing in their music videos. I've seen several other cultural folk influenced dances represented, but not folklorico. It's time to share the spotlight! Don't get me wrong, there are Spanish videos and performances that have folklorico dancing, but not in American music videos. You would think that with all those colorful costumes and the energetic footwork, that more artists would tap into the dance style and broaden their viewing audience.

Back in the early 90's when I was in college in Chicago, the rave scene was all the rage. Who's ready to bust out their Venetian Paradise hat and pin strip pants? An artist named Moby was making his way on the scene, creating a techno frenzy! I had a friend called Big Bill who was all into Moby and he use to rant and rave (haha) over him. I bought a couple Moby CDs and I really liked his music. Anyone remember "Next Is The E"? One day I was going through some stuff and decided to write Moby a letter. Sure enough he wrote me back...paper mail even! I didn't have email at the time. Moby went on to major success and you can hear his music all over the world.

Moby lives in Los Angeles these days and I follow him on Facebook. Recently, he posted these photos on his wall from the video shoot for "perfect life". Can't wait to see it when it hits the world wide web!

Funny people use to tell me that I kind of look like Moby.

I would like to shoot a YouTube video for One Big Wedo. I think it would be cool to have a contest for DJ's to come up with a dance club hit for me. Or if Moby was up for returning to his dance roots, I would love to work with him on a collaboration. That would be awesome! How about it Moby? As far as the music video itself, it would include lots of folklorico in it and be filmed throughout the Los Angeles area. I have lots of ideas. Who would be interested in seeing the Wedo get his "club folklorico" on in an underground club video? I imagine it to have a somewhat similar vibe like Jipsta's "Too New York" video.

http://youtu.be/KRWQD-GXn0U

Here's another concept, I use to go to a lot of concerts. There was a time I wanted to see everyone perform live. One artist I saw multiple times was Madonna. In fact, on her last tour when she performed at Dodgers Stadium, there I was in the front row right up against the stage. Well, as close as you could get anyway. There are even a few videos of the show on YouTube where you can see my bald head.

Madonna is a studied dancer. I have seen her utilize many styles of dance in her shows, including Flamenco and Salsa. At the Dodger Stadium show, she even had Mariachi musicians play. She has a huge Mexican following. There was also some really fascinating Japanese performers with her on that tour. So when is it folklorico's turn to go on tour with you Madonna?

Recently Madonna released a song called "Give Me All Your Luvin'" which featured M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj in the video. Click the link below to see the video:

http://youtu.be/cItHOl5LRWg

http://youtu.be/1HEu0KfogPU

Mariachi Intermission (Madison Square Gardens) - The LA show was more traditional if I remember correctly, no video found.

http://youtu.be/UKMCbk9zEYc

Flamenco Dance

Nicki Minaj recently released this video "Pound The Alarm" where tribal looking feathered costumes were used. The video depicts Carnival costuming in St. James. Click this link to watch the video:

http://youtu.be/3T5eb1XOZAA

I had an idea for Madonna's next LA tour visit. I would like to see the two women reunite for one night and create an tribal and folklorico free for all! You have Nicki and her tribal women vs. Madonna and her white charro clad men. It would be cool if they could incorporate the song "Die Another Day" for the production. I see the two on stage with their dancers challenging each other. Then the two stars unite on stage as the tribal women dance around them and the charro men do deslices around the the women in the opposite direction. What's deslices? Kind of looks like de-slices. But is sounds like dis-lee-sus. Anyway, this is the movement where the guys kick their leg out to one side repeatedly in a chopping kind of motion. You often see this when men dance around the hat during The Hat Dance. The verb in Spanish means to slide, glide, or slip. This continues as the stage with Madonna and Nicki rises. The song finishes with fireworks! A big finale!

Another celebrity I would love to work with is Gwen Stefani. I adore her! Here's what I have for Gwen! I would love to shoot a music video with Gwen Stafani and dance Jalisco with her in the video. Yes, Jalisco! I see Gwen in a vision of royal blue with her blond hair and intense eye makeup and lashes. I would wear the traditional black charro. The video would start in a traditional Mexican village setting. For the shoot, we could use the area in the back lot of Universal Studios that I believe is called or referred to as "Anywhere Mexico". Gwen would come out into the village square in the heat of the day, sun glaring overhead, in her blue Jalisco dress and blond trenza. What's a trenza, you ask? I had to ask too!

A trenza is literally, a braid. In folklorico, women's hairpieces are braids and therefore are called trenzas. Trenzas are often made with black yarn, however I have seen some made of synthetic hair as well. Oftentimes, trenzas have colorful ribbons and flowers incorporated in their construction. Trenza making is a unique art of its own and the women who do it take great pride in their work. I have seen several photos of Gwen with flowers in her hair. So a trenza for Gwen is absolutely appropriate!

Now back to my story, where were we? Gwen, sun, heat of the day, village square! For some reason I see lots of people standing and starring at her from a distance. I also see dust stirred up from her walking and castanets sounding. Although castanets are more associated with flamenco dancing and Spain. Yes, Mexico has a lot of Spanish influence, however people often confuse flamenco and folklorico as both indigenous of Mexico. Even on television, I have seen Mexico represented with features more true to Spain than Mexico. In a future guest post, I hope to share with readers the connection and difference between flamenco and folklorico. Anyways, where was I again?

That's right, castanets! Scratch the castanets and lets replace them with trumpet and Spanish guitar. Ok there's Gwen in the courtyard village square, hair looking spectacular and make up fierce - eyelashes, red lipstick, the whole works. Then it's my entrance, I come in and we do our Jalisco love dance for a bit. Then Richard appears to challenge me and take Gwen for his own. Aye, Richard!

Gwen, in a moment of panic, runs into an alley which leads her into the current downtown Los Angeles in a graffitied area of the city. There she is met by a group of men in charros and a dance off ensues. Gwen is captured and taken to a building in the city, Richard's lair! But wait for the ending!

Gwen sneaks out through the window and down the fire escape! Go Gwen, Go! And behold, there I am on a horse ready to rescue and take her away off into the city sunset! What do you think Gwen? I think you need to add some Mijas to your Harajuku Girls clan.

This would make a good Big Wedo video as well, featuring the music of Gwen and Moby! Wouldn't that be cool? Hey, Gwen and Moby have already worked together on the video "Southside"! Perhaps they would like to do it again? How about it guys? Here's a link to their last feature together:

http://youtu.be/r2XmdZ5kadQ

Lastly, what do you think of a folk opera? Hmmm. Let's incorporate folklorico and opera together and see what we get! I'll have to keep working on this idea and get back to you on that!

In closing, I wanted to share this video of a Mexican dancing dog! Enjoy! If a dog can do it, then this Wedo can do it too! Apparently, there is even a dog dancing competition. Check it out too!

http://youtu.be/iRb94IbL138

Mexican Dancing Dog

http://youtu.be/X-EZY1JDR2g

2012 Salzburg Dog Dancing Competition

Lastly, here are two cultural connection photos for the week! Enjoy!

Dancers doing their makeup before a folklorico performance

Marcos getting his charro on!

Until next week everyone, Wedo out! Send me some of your ideas for folklorico this week!

****ATTENTION ALL BIG WEDO FANS & FOLLOWERS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS - SEPTEMBER 29, 2013 - HERENCIA MEXICANA WILL BE PERFORMING AT THE LA COUNTY FAIR. THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE OF YOU IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA TO COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! MEET THE WEDO! LET'S PACK THE PLAZA AND SET RECORD ATTENDANCE FOR THE SHOW! HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE THERE! PLAZA DE LAS AMERICAS FROM 1:30 TO 2:00 PM****

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

More Folklorico Terms! Test Yourself! - Bonus Post 3

Howdy! As I was looking up the correct spelling for the Spanish word "DESLICES" for this week's post, I came across this folklorico terminology resource by PELINKS4U and wanted to share it! So here it is! But first, deslices: a verb which means to slide, glide or slip.

Basic Terminology
It is important to use the correct terminology and language in the teaching of the basic dance steps, or the pasos, through the footwork referred to the as the zapateado. The challenge in Mexican folklórico dance is that not all terms for the various steps have been standardized, like in American square dance, which can result in confusion. It is important to note that the terms used depend on the teacher or the maestro. A quick reference for a selection of common terms and basic pasos may include:

Posición tusa - Standing with the knees slightly flexed to facilitate and execute the dance steps or pasos.

Golpe - Refers to the basic foot stomp on the floor.

Remate - Execution of a sequence of foot stomps.

Sequencia - Combination of steps for a given phrase of music.

Sencillos - Single foot stomp which can be alternated with each foot or repeated with the same foot. Example: stomp once with right foot, stomp once with left foot, etc… May be done in place or in different lines of direction. The speed may vary from slow to fast.

Dobles - Double foot stomp which can be alternated with each foot or repeated with the same foot. Example: stomp twice with right foot, stomp twice with left foot, etc… May be done in place or in different lines of direction. The speed may vary from slow to fast.

Metatarsal y talón - Landing or making contact with the ball of the foot followed with the heel.

Paso de tres lentos or balseados - Landing lightly flat footed then alternating landing with the toes or metatarsal with the opposite leg and repeat such as landing whole foot right, toe left alternating right toe. Similar to the basic triple step.

Paso de tres zapateado - Consists of doing three consecutive stomps alternating the foot that is doing the action. There is an accent on the first stomp only followed by a lighter stomp on the second and third beat.

Sequidos - Continuous steps that are done with scuffing with the heel followed by making contact with the whole foot such as scuff right foot on floor and stomp with right foot then alternate with the left foot.

These basic pasos and terms can easily be taught, and serve as a great start for becoming familiar with Mexican folkloric dance.

Another resource I found this week was on quizlet.com. Here are 24 Mexican Folklorico Dance Terms & Facts everyone should know! The site is sort of like a flashcard set up. Test your knowledge!

Folklore - a collective cultural knowledge of a group of people.

Dance - celebrates...life, mourns death, offers prayers, expresses a point of view, holidays, social events, life transitions.

Danza - Indigenous, Pre-Hispanic dances/rituals

Traditional Mexican Dance - is a collective social practice in dance.

Traditional Folk Culture - has to be passed down for 3 generations

Grupo Costumbrista - costumes/original, they seek to bring the dances of a community in a natural state to a stage.

Grupo Folklorico - present folklore with entertainment value, artistic value and seeks to balance the creative and traditional elements.

Ballet Folklorico - draws from the traditional forms only as inspiration for a creative interpretation.

Grupo Folkloroide - no cohesive artistic vision or foundation, they just mimic what other groups do.

4 elements of Folklorico Performance - artistic focus and intent, repertoire of dances, choreography,music and costumes.

Time Periods of Mexican History - 11 time periods

Pre-Classic or Formative - complex societies in development

Classic - complex innovation / Chichimecas

Post Classic - Chichimeca empire formed. Defragmentation of complex civilizations.

La Conquista 1521 - Spanish declare war onto Mexico

War of Independence 1810 - Spanish born revolutionaries began the war of independence 1821 independent from Spain Mestizaje

Mestizo - half Spanish, half indigenous

Criollo - someone or Spanish decent born in the Americas

Mulato - half black, half indigenous

Chichimecas - empire in north semi-nomadic

Chichimecas 4 ethnic groups - Pames, Guamares, Zacatecas, Guachichiles

Chichimecas - hunters/gathers, little clothing, paint their bodies

2 Wars - 1540-1542 Mixon Wars, 1550-1590 Chichinecas Wars

Dia de los Muertos - not a Christian holiday, celebrated before Spanish arrived. Oaxaca - major celebration, Michoacán, Xantolo

Wow! These terms really break it down! I love it! Be sure to check back for this week's post!

****ATTENTION ALL BIG WEDO FANS & FOLLOWERS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS - SEPTEMBER 29, 2013 - HERENCIA MEXICANA WILL BE PERFORMING AT THE LA COUNTY FAIR. THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE OF YOU IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA TO COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! MEET THE WEDO! LET'S PACK THE PLAZA AND SET RECORD ATTENDANCE FOR THE SHOW! HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE THERE! PLAZA DE LAS AMERICAS FROM 1:30 TO 2:00 PM****

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

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Don't Forget Your Logo Entries!

This is a friendly reminder to all Big Wedo Logo Contestants to Submit Their Logo Entry by August 31, 2013. See week 28 for all the details!

****ATTENTION ALL BIG WEDO FANS & FOLLOWERS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS - SEPTEMBER 29, 2013 - HERENCIA MEXICANA WILL BE PERFORMING AT THE LA COUNTY FAIR. THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE OF YOU IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA TO COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! MEET THE WEDO! LET'S PACK THE PLAZA AND SET RECORD ATTENDANCE FOR THE SHOW! HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE THERE! PLAZA DE LAS AMERICAS FROM 1:30 TO 2:00 PM****

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

Saturday, August 24, 2013

39 - Say It Isn't So! - Week 34

Welcome back! I'm back on track! There's a little rhyme for you this week!

It's nice to see Croatia, Poland, Taiwan and Spain all made it back to the blog!

And welcome Congo, Africa! Let's get started!

This week I had my 39th birthday! "Oh say it isn't so!" "Stop the insanity!" Alright all together now, "Happy Birthday Weddo, Happy Birthday Guero, Happy Birthday Big Wedo, Happy Birthday Guerro!" Thank you so much! What's that? What did you say? Did I hear you correctly? "I don't look a day over 29!" Why, that's one of the kindest things anyone has said! Unlike the one who responded with, "Yeah, I was stuck at 39 for several years as well!" No really, I'm only 39! And how do I plan living out the rest of my 30's? Dancing folklorico of course!

The past week has been spent celebrating the life of who's now become "One Big Wedo". It's a bit unusual that when I look in the mirror, the reflection I see in return is my father. Yes, I look just like my dad. He was 36 when I was born.

So how did I spend my birthday? With Richard doing all the stuff we enjoy doing together. Los Angeles here we come! Now most guys would probably spend their birthdays either barbecuing, drinking beer and watching football or off roading. I found myself shoulder deep in fabric, trim and sequins! It was all about the costumes! We spent the day finding all kinds of woven treasures to create spectacular stage costumes for our upcoming performances in September. I had a real good time, even though I seemed a bit down during the week. Must be hormones, because funny things happen to old people like me. My sincerest apologies if I came across overbearing to anyone out there! There was a full moon too! AAH-WOOOOOO!

We also made a trip over to the charro store. We are having vests made for our suits! So another fitting took place! We're gonna look sharp when they are done and when we get all put together. Which means were gonna be tackling the Jalisco region again. Time to step up my man game! I also priced what a custom black sombrero would run me since mine is distracting. Doesn't fit right. The price? $450.00! Ouch!

The day wouldn't have been complete without a stop at Olvera Street. We returned to the same old restaurant as last year for the birthday margarita and flan tradition ! Last year my niece joined us! This year it was just the two of us. I wanted to take a picture of us as old men. So we got two Michoacan masks for the shoot! We even wore the same shirts as last year! Another tradition! I always joke with people that I'm from Michoacan (Michigan). So it was fitting for the picture. I can't wait to dance this region! Hopefully Richard will teach it soon, while I still need to wear a mask to look old. The gray is catching up with me. Ugh! There's no time to waste or wait! Viva Viejitos!

While there at Olvera Street, I purchased a sugar skull for a friend and coworker that was curious about trying one after he read my blog on week 30 called "The Day Of The Dead". On Friday, we broke skull together and had ourselves a taste of culture and tradition. The sudden burst of sugar energy aided in my record production numbers the rest of the afternoon on overtime. Ironic how something so "dead" made me come alive!

Back on week 18 I wrote a post called "Taking Inventory". I set all kinds of plans and goals for myself and told everyone I would give an update on week 27. That didn't happen! I got busy writing about other stuff. Well, here is a little update.

The tone of that week 18 post was super serious. I was determined to conquer folklorico and refine my skills. Which is still the ultimate goal, but I'm enjoying the process and trying not to be so up tight. Stop stressing Michael and roll with it. Ok I will! That being said, lets have some fun analyzing the Wedo together!

One thing I can say about folklorico is that it is definitely harder than it appears! I've learned that first hand. There are layers, upon layers of details. It can make you go crazy at times.

Someone sent some photos to me from a few recent performances! I love it. I always like looking at the photos to see what needs improvement. Here are a few that really stood out to me! Below is a picture that at first glance, just looks like an action shot. But then I noticed my posture. Horrible! I'm the "Hunchback of Herencia"! I knew it was bad, but this is just embarrassing! So allow me to be the poster child for dancing posture don'ts! The photo speaks for itself! Dancers: Don't let this happen to you! Stand up straight! And what's up with my pinky finger? Or Pinkie in Scottish English. Looks like I'm stirring a cup of tea! Biscotti anyone? One lump or two? Trust me, I've got enough sugar for everyone! More on this in a bit.

As a result of this sobering picture, which I appreciate, I have taken action! My birthday gift to myself was the apparatus you see below! The dancers posture clavicle brace. I bought it on Amazon for $25. Happy Birthday Mr. Smith, now stand up straight! I've been wearing it at each practice since its arrival. Hopefully, it helps correct the problem.

And since I'm being transparent with ya'll, not only am I a hunchback, but a lopsided one at that! One shoulder blade sticks out about a half inch further than the other. See what years of bad posture will do to you! Call me Shrek! Perhaps my family were ogres and lived in castle towers in ancient times or something. Aye, this back of mine has become a dancers nightmare!

Therefore, As I have gotten older, I have levitated to the realm of self pampering. More and more every year that passes. Pedicures, foot massage/reflexology and body massages are all in order these days. There's a benefit to growing older now, isn't it? Lately, as they work the back, I feel the shoulder blade slide back into place. Sort of bizarre feeling.

I know that good posture is possible. Even for someone of my height! Recently, I watched a DVD of "Hello Dolly!" Yes, Allow me to take a moment and "check in" my man card here. One particular dancer caught my eye. He was a tall and thin man who stood chest, head and shoulders above the rest. He didn't let that stand in his way. He had great posture an executed the dances like he fit right in. This freak got his freak on! So it can be done without looking out of place! Hello Dolly is also a good movie to watch to see how dancers need to control the costume, not the other way around. Those people in the movie really took charge of their costumes. And many of the costumes appeared that they would present a challenge to dance like that in. Hats off to the crew!

Below is another picture from the same show as above. Hold up! There's that pinky again. What is going on there precious? I can hear the words of Richard echoing in my head, "Tame those pinkys men!" I have coined these photos as the "Fosse Folklorico Collection"! "Fosse, Fosse, Fosse!" If your not familiar with the work of Bob Fosse, look him up! He was an amazing talent. He always did these unique detailed movements with dancers hands that exuded lots of energy. My pinky is exploding with energy here! Watch out!

If you're interest in some Fosse entertainment, check out the movies Sweet Charity or Chicago. In fact, guess which pop star just paid tribute to Fosse in her music video? Take a guess. More on her in a bit.

Below is a picture where I forgot to remove my hat. Either I forgot, or the man in the background was early. I will take the hit because my mind is slipping a little bit. Photos are great learning tools. It important to remember however, that it is only a snap shot of one quick moment. There may have only been a second or two difference between us taking off our hats. The camera caught it this time.

The photo below shows the importance to details. I love that my back is straight in this picture. However, it appears I'm kissing her forehead! It would have been a better shot had her fan been covering our faces like it was suppose to. I like Richard's positioning in the middle there. Look how he is holding his hat, I can learn from this! And there at the end, well I guess I'm not the only one who forgets to take off their hat. Ladies have the challenges of skirts and fans, men have the challenges hats and pinkys!

Here is another photo of Richard that I like. Look at his positioning (in the yellow) and compare it to mine (in the red). He is working that shoulder angle isn't he? Get it man! It looks polished, crisp and sharp. Another picture I can learn from my teacher.

Shoulder work/angles and "spotting" on turns are two areas I need to work on! "Spotting" is when you focus on the same point each time you revolve around the turn. Try it out. Focus on something in front of you and keep looking at it. Now start to turn your body around but keep look at your focus point. As you keep turning your body, you will get to a point where you need to turn you head. So turn your head quickly and focus right back on the same place you were using as your point of focus. That's the basic idea if it. Now try it for multiple turns in a row. Go! Ice skaters use the same technique when they do turns too. It's tricky if you're not use to it. I'm all over the place when I turn. Try to get this stubborn, tall and ADD man to stand up straight and focus on the same thing is enough to drive any teacher to drink!

Below is a recent picture from an intense practice session. I've been sweating like crazy lately. Or perhaps they're just hot flashes. At my age you never know! I have been practicing three days a week for two to three hours each practice! There are a lot of shows coming up in September and we are getting ready. I will be performing with Ballet Folklorico Sol de Mexico, Images Of Mexico and Ballet Folklorico de Herencia Mexicana in September. Be sure to visit my Facebook page for dates, places and times.

All the practicing has help with weight management too! I've been losing it everywhere but my belly, which is surprising because I have been "eating fresh". I weighed myself this morning and I am down to 198 lbs! I was so excited that I decided to celebrate and take a trip to the vending machine at work and splurge on some peanuts, a Twix candy bar, a bag of Doritos, a bag of pretzels and some cookies! Seriously! It was a great time and now I'm back to 215. All that work to get lighter on my feet and it still seems like it takes more and more effort to take the lead out. Who pushed my button to turn on my internal delay? I think Mr. 39 did.

I have lost some weight, which is good because we have a potential television appearance in the works for September 15th. More on that in a couple weeks! Stay tuned to my Facebook page for details as the event gets closer. I'm hesitant to reveal all the details now, but it will be at "The Happiest Place On Earth"!

Besides the nice gray patch on my chin, I noticed that my nose is looking nice and hairless! Good deal. But wait, look at my nostrils. Hairless, YES! But one is bigger than the other! What? Oh no! Ever since I've noticed this, I've been checking out people's noses. The Big Wedo obviously needs to seek some help! I've discovered that it's a common occurrence after all! Phew, I thought nasal reconstruction was going to be needed there for a second.

Lastly, why is my head angled like that? I have my nose in the air. Such a snob!

Let's talk a little more about this nose issue, shall we? I have been focusing so intently lately on my posture that I noticed that I've started to shrug my shoulders a little too. Now I look like a penguin! I guess it gives me that extra tall feeling. And my nose has elevated itself a bit as I walk with pomp. A coworker hit me up about it this week. He told me that I raise my nose up a little bit when I walk. Oh dear! Now I'm fruity and snooty! That's a horrible combination! Seems like whenever I focus on one problem to fix, it sets off a chain reaction for others to surface. Sigh! Will the Wedo ever conquer himself? Only time will reveal! Below is picture that show me dancing tall and straight, like a board! Sure enough, shoulders slightly up and nose raised!

A common reaction I get from people is that I seem to be angry or upset by the way I look. Kind of like Sam the Eagle from the Muppets. Nice Frida brow by the way there Sam! I am so misread! My looks and my personality don't really match up. I am a deep thinker, somewhat serious and very focused. But I am a very average and ordinary guy, I sometimes just need to be snapped out of it! Earth to Wedo, Come In Wedo!

I've shared some of my folklorico "bloopers" in the past. Someone hit me up and asked if I wasn't committing "folklorico suicide" by doing so? As I stated earlier, photos only capture a moment in time and don't reflect the whole overall performance. There is a lot of movement happening on stage and when you see it live, it blends all together. Mistakes do happen however, and sometimes they get captured in a photo. So by sharing them, I help myself, help other dancers and performers, and share a laugh or two with readers as they analyze them with me.

We love movies and television. So much of it gets edited and several takes are shot for that perfect scene. But in live entertainment, you get that one chance and no one is perfect! I've been watching a Carol Burnett Show marathon this week. The show was taped live. There was lots of dancing on that show and sometimes even the pros made mistakes and mishaps happened. I saw one today were the mans hat fell off and they kept on going - all with a smile.

To drive my point home, we all saw those Beyonce Superbowl photos from her big performance. They were labeled as ugly and unflattering by people. Were they coincidence? Perhaps, but there were several of them published in the media. From the looks of them you would have thought it was a bad show, but in actuality it rocked. And Beyonce's career is doing just fine despite of the pictures.

I will post more folklorico blooper pics in the future. This week, I was corrected in class by one of the ladies for having my head in the wrong position for the kisses. That would have been some embarrassing photos. Thanks for the save!

In closing I wanted to recommend a couple of Facebook pages to everyone. The first is called Cultura and offer viewers a visual experience of Mexico through photos. I am a big fan of pictures and love that you can experience the world through them. I also want to encourage folklorico fans to visit Folklorico Page on Facebook as well. Lots of pictures there for viewing as well. A special thanks to Folklorico Page for sharing last week's blog.

Don't forget your contest entries by August 31, 2013. Be sure to check back next week for week 35's post called "Ideas For Folklorico!" I am excited about this one. Lastly, thank you Richard for a great birthday. See you next week everybody! Wedo Out!

LIVE, LAUGH, LEARN & GROW