Dance – Page 3 – Chicago Urbanite

February 5, 2012February 24, 2012

You are invited to an Afro-Peruvian Music, Dance and Cajon Workshops

Chicago has given me the opportunity to experience art in so many different ways. One of them has been becoming a member of a Peruvian folk dance group led by a very talented artist and dance teacher. His name is Ruben Pachas. I first met him at a dance workshop and was very impressed by the quality of his work. His classes are fun, energetic, and enriching. He knows how to deconstruct dance steps and makes them easy to learn. I want to share this experience with you and invite you to a couple of Afro Peruvian Music and Dance Workshops that he will be offering. These workshops cover the history of the arrival of African culture to Peru, musical samples of three traditional Afro-Peruvian instruments, sample popular dances, and full-class participation in a percussion session and dance routine. The goal is to actively involve the participants in learning Afro-Peruvian instruments, rhythms, and dances. Below are the details for this event:

LOCATION:

BA Studio

2846 W North Ave, 2nd Floor, Chicago IL 60647
(Meet at side entrance on FRANCISCO AVE)

See map here

COST
$20 per workshop ($25 without RSVP)
Please RSVP via Facebook as attending
Or via chicagourbanite@hotmail.com (Subject: “Workshop”)
=======GET $10 OFF IF YOU TAKE BOTH WORKSHOPS========

PLEASE:
-ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY

Everyone has to get here early because it’s a locked building so I have to let you in when you get here. We will start on time! 🙂
-Wear work out clothes
-If possible, don’t wear shoes in studio unless they are indoor shoes

AFRO-PERUVIAN DANCE WORKSHOP

Feb 25th 2012

3pm -4pm

Cost: $20 ($25 without RSVP)

Please RSVP via Facebook as attending
Or via chicagourbanite@hotmail.com (Subject: “Workshop”)

Join Ruben Pachas for a hands-on workshop on the diversity of Afro-Peruvian folk dance. He will focus on the Festejo, a music and dance form developed in the plantation fields during the 18th century. The word Festejo, comes from the Spanish word festejar (to celebrate) . True to its name, the music and dance of the Afro-Peruvian genre is joyous and vibrant but its traditional lyrics usually narrate the hardships of enslaved life. Participation will be encouraged. The class will last about one hour and you will learn other Afro-Peruvian dances such as Zamacueca, Lando, Marinera & Vals.

AFRO-PERUVIAN CAJON WORKSHOP

Feb 25th 2012

4pm-5pm

Cost: $20 ($25 without RSVP)

Please RSVP via Facebook as attending
Or via chicagourbanite@hotmail.com (Subject: “Workshop”)

Join us for another special workshop with Ruben Pachas and discover the Cajon (Box) drum. This class is an introduction to the Cajon drum & Afro-Peruvian rhythms – Festejo, Zamacueca, Lando, Marinera & Vals.

Students will learn how to play basic patterns and explore different rhythms and stroke combinations on the cajon drum.

ALL LEVELS WELCOME

(Beginners always welcome/Advanced students learn new techniques and refresh your Cajon skills)

CAJON DRUMS

(We recommend that you bring your own)

The Cajon drum (pronounced cahon)is the Spanish word for “box”. The idea of using a simple wooden box as a drum is believed to have originated in colonial Peru where Africans displaced from their homeland substituted cod shipping crates for their native drums. As a result, Afro-Peruvian music is a unique blend of Spanish, Andean, and African traditions. Today, this versatile drum is steadily gaining popularity and recognition and can be heard in many different styles of music worldwide.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

RUBEN PACHAS has a solid background in artistic performance and as a dance teacher with a strong emphasis in field research and dance techniques. He is a graduate of the prestigious Escuela Nacional Superior de Folklore Jose Maria Arguedas and has an extensive experience as a professional Folk dance teacher. He is the Founder and Director of Peruvian Folk Dance Center, a Chicago dance group whose mission is to promote Peruvian culture through the teaching and performance of Peruvian folk dances.

Here is video with a sample of Afro-Peruvian dances performed by the Afro-Peruvian musical ensemble Peru Negro:

December 26, 2011December 26, 2011

Where to Dance Salsa in Chicago?

I have a new friend who is also new to Chicago and who has the Salsa bug. During the month she has been here, she has been paying full price to get in anywhere. I promised her that I would give her the scoop on how to get in to most of these places for free or by paying half price. So this post is for you Anna, and for anyone who wants to experience the Chicago Salsa scene. Keep on reading and get your salsa shoes ready to dance and to get free Salsa lessons every night of the week. These listings are subject to change, so it is recommended to contact the club or the promoter to confirm. Also, click here to read about Proper Dance Floor Etiquette before you go dancing. Happy Salsa time y’all!

MONDAYS

Aquarius Club and Restaurant

2459 N. Pulaski Ave Chicago
773.342.3581

Salsa, Mambo, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia. Doors Open at 7:00 pm. Milly “La Salsera Sensual” of Chicago’s Latin Entertainment teaches at 7:30 pm. Open Dance Time: 9:00 pm. Street Parking. No cover charge and no guest list

Patron’s Hacienda

316 W Erie St. Chicago

312-642-2400

Doors open at 8:00pm – dancing until 1:00am. $5.00 cover. Music by DJ Double O. $5 Margaritas & Mojitos. Street parking and discounted valet parking available. More info at info@hoton1salsa.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Output Lounge

1758 W Grand Ave. Chicago
312-929-2515

Door’s open at 6:30pm. Dancing until 12am. No cover charge. Music by DJ Edgar Marroquin & DJ Prieto. Dance Lessons starts at 6:30PM by ENRIQUE CALDERON. Enjoy Salsa, Mambo & ChaChaCha. Featured Specials: 35¢ Wings $2 Miller Lite Pints $4 Vodka Mixers $5 Rumchata Shots

For more info, photos and more: www.4fantasticevents.com or call 773-562-2328

TUESDAYS

Alhambra Palace Restaurant

1240 W. Randolph St. Chicago

312.666.9555

Salsa, Mambo, Bachata and Cha Cha Cha with DJ El Prieto and DJ Luis “Rollin” Rivera. Doors Open: 7:30 pm. Juan Paredes or Nino DiGiuio teach Salsa from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm.Open Dance Time: 9:30 pm to 2:00 am. Street Parking. Cover Charge: $10. Reduced cover charge until 10:30 pm with RSVP. RSVP must be received before 3:00 pm. Email 4 Fantastic Events or click here to get on the guest list & pay half price

WEDNESDAYS

Lalo’s at Maxwell

733 W. Maxwell St. Chicago IL 60607

312-455-9380

No cover charge.Free Salsa Lesson from 9:30pm-10:30pm by Dennis Pa Samba

THURSDAYS

Nacional 27

325 W. Huron Chicago

312-664-2727

Complimentary Salsa Lessons from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Excalibur
632 N. Dearborn. (corner of Dearborn & Ontario)

(312) 266-1944

8pm-4am. Learn to dance from 8:30pm – 9:30pm Two rooms of Latin dancing all night. On the Salsa/Mambo in the Club, DJ Luis Rollin Rivera & El Papichulo spin Salsa, Mambo & Cha Cha Cha. Bachata Thursdays on the Deck with Djs Alex Perez & Party Boy Pete. They spin Bachata , Merengue & Cumbia Sonidera. Cover: $7.00. Reduced Valet Parking ($7). First cocktail is free until 9pm courtesy of Latin Street Dancing. Guest list allows you to enter Free until 9p.To get on the guest list, click here

FRIDAYS

Alhambra Palace Restaurant

1240 W. Randolph St. Chicago

312.666.9555

Complimentary Salsa lesson from 9pm to 10pm by Dennis Pasamba.The Best In Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbias and Mambo by DJ Escandalo. Party from 9pm – 2am. Get on the guest list for reduced admission until 10:30pm at eeguestlist@yahoo.com

Nacional 27

325 W. Huron Chicago

Miami Nights: Dance floor opens at 11 pm; Salsa through 2 am. Cover charge: $10

Rumba

351 W. Hubbard St. Chicago, Illinois 60610

312.222.1226

Live band every Friday from 7:30 to 11:30pm followed by dancing till 2am. No cover before 9:00pm. $10.00 cover after 9:00pm. Get on the guest list here & save $5.00.

SATURDAYS

Nacional 27

325 W. Huron Chicago

Vida27! Saturdays: Dare to dance to sultry salsa sounds and Latin beats by DJ X and special guest DJ’s. Dance floor opens at 11 pm; salsa through 3 am. Cover charge is $10

Rumba

351 W. Hubbard St. Chicago, Illinois 60610
312.222.1226

Salsa, Mambo and Tropical rhythms. Live Salsa bands from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm. DJ Alberto “Escandalo” Gomez from 11:30 pm to 3:00 am. Doors Open: 5:00 pm for dinner. Open dance time: 10:00 pm to 3:00 am Parking: Metered Street and Valet available. Meters operate 24 hours per day. Cover Charge: $10

SUNDAYS

The Cubby Bear

1059 W. Addison Chicago, Illinois 60613

Live Salsa bands play at the legendary Chicago landmark. DJ Frankie J spins Salsa, Mambo & Tropical Rhythms all night. Doors open at 6pm. Salsa lesson by Latin Street Dancing at 7pm. Live music from 9pm to 2am.Free Parking next to the Cubby Bear on Addison St. Just tell attendant you are going to the Salsa Night.$7 cover charge. To get on the guest list for free admission click here. For more information call 312 427 2572

November 25, 2011

Global Rhythms Chicago starts tomorrow

Hello Urbanites!

How have you been? I am back after a long absence from this blog. I hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving Day. And in the spirit of this holiday, I want to invite you attend an event that benefits the local artistic community and other charitable organizations in Chicago. The Chicago Human Rhythms Project is presenting Global Rhythms, a concert series dedicated to American tap and contemporary percussive arts companies. Just by attending Global Rhythms – November 26 & 27 – you, your friends and family can make a difference in Chicago by designating 50% of your ticket price to worthy non-profit organizations around Chicago. Just pick the organization you want to support from this list and mention their promo code when you order your ticket. When you mention a code, you will also receive 10% off the ticket price .

This weekend, Chicago will rock with the following earth-shaking percussive arts ensembles from around the nation:

Step Afrika from Washington, D.C. is the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Founded in December 1994, the company is critically-acclaimed for its efforts to promote an understanding of and appreciation for stepping and the dance tradition’s use as an educational tool for young people worldwide. Step Afrika reaches tens of thousands of Americans each year and has performed on many stages in North & South America, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.

Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater under the artistic leadership of Founder, Dame Libby Komaiko and Associate Artistic Director, Irma Suarez Ruiz, is the premier Spanish dance company and center in the United States to have in-residence status at a university, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago. The Company, under the auspices of the Department of Music & the Dance Program, is chartered to share the rich traditions of the dance, music, literature, and culture of Spain in the classical, folkloric and Flamenco styles, with all communities, and to be a center which encourages new artistic creativity within the framework of the Ibero-Hispanic experience. The Ensemble Espanol, founded in 1976 by Dame Libby, is comprised of forty dancers, singers, musicians and guest artists.

The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago was founded in 1982 by José Luis and Matie Ovalle, its present artistic directors and choreographers. As Chicago’s oldest Mexican dance institution, MFDC has received countless recognitions and awards, has performed for three presidents and represented Mexico in the 1994 USA World Cup opening ceremony, as well as numerous national television performances, most recently at the 2009 Latin Grammy Awards. MFDC will welcome their special guests, the Grammy nominated music sensation – Sones de Mexico!

Sones de Mexico is a unique ensemble of seasoned Mexican folk musicians and educators that hails from Chicago, a city that boasts a Mexican community that is quickly nearing one million people. The group formed in 1994 to keep the tradition of Mexican son alive in its many regional forms, true to its roots and old masters, and current and fresh at the same time.

Chicago Mayfair Academy of Fine Arts was founded by tap legend Tommy Sutton and under the direction of Peggy Sutton. Performing only Sunday evening is the Mayfair Performing Company, under the direction of Maria A. Lanier-Ware, in an original step dance created by Jarkari Sherman. Mayfair celebrates 54 years of dance excellence and community service.

Hope to see you there!

August 25, 2011August 25, 2011

This Saturday 8/27: World Music Meets Hip Hop for a Good Cause

Join b-boy Kid Jungle, a local Chicago dancer who actively promotes positive Hip Hop culture and founder of T.A.F. dance group, for an eclectic night of talent and culture. This event will have B-boy battles, Poppers, Capoeira, Flamenco, Belly dance, Salsa, and House under one roof and going on ALLLL night!!! Local dancers and musicians are coming together to perform at this event for a good cause: to raise funds to pay the medical expenses of Jungle’s daughter Jada Marie, who has been dealing with major medical issues since she was born. Jungle believes that through music and dance we can unite people from different walks of life under one roof to help raise funds for Jada. All proceeds will go straight to her medical and travel expenses.

Here are more details of the event:

WHAT!

Event showcasing music and dances from all genres from Reggae, Hip Hop/Breakdance battles, Belly Dance, Capoeira, Flamenco, Salsa, Bachata, House, Drum N Bass. The theme of the night will be World Music meets Hip Hop!!

Guest performances:

– 1 on 1 B-boy battle exhibitions

– All Bgirl performance by Dirty Sneakers Crew

– Chicago Popping Legends Robot M.A.F.I.A.

-Capoiera

-Chi-Caribena

-Belly dance with Johanna

-Flamenco with Cristina and Vanessa

– 4 Stars (Haitian Rap)

DJ’s for the night

– DJ EDouble of PHAZE II CHICAGO spinning the b-boy breaks

-DJ Sean Owens spinning house with afro and latin beats

-DJ BumbleBee spinning drum n bass!!

-DJ Man o God spinning dat boom bap Hip Hop flava!

Hosted by Kid Jungle and Drunken Monkeee

WHY!
To raise money for Jungles’ daughter medical expenses

WHERE!
Multi-Kulti 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave. 4th floor. A lounge/art space that has carpeted floors, couches, and several rooms. Cozy and intimate but big enough to hold a lot of people. 21 and over.

WHEN!
This Saturday Aug. 27th from 9pm til 4am. Donations only and greatly appreciated.

If you need any more info or have questions please contact Jungle at thebboykidjungle@yahoo.com

July 21, 2011July 23, 2011

Chicago Flamenco Community gets together at Las Guitarras de España concert

Time	Saturday, July 23 · 7:30pm – 10:30pm

Location	Mayne Stage 1328 Morse Ave

I love Flamenco. I was hooked to it after connecting to its passionate energy at my first live Flamenco performance back in Lima many years ago. Being a Flamenco lover, I am always looking for opportunities in Chicago to experience this art form. So this Saturday I will have my so much needed dose of Flamenco thanks to Las Guitarras de España (The Guitars of Spain). “Las Guitarras” is a fabulous “world music” ensemble from Chicago that performs a fusion of Cuban son, rumba, R&B, Latin-jazz, blues, and African percussion with an underlying flamenco music and dance focus. As part of their “Flamenco Collaborations Series” at Mayne Stage, Las Guitarras De Espana will headline an evening celebrating flamenco dance featuring students of local teachers such as Melody Vasquez, Karen Stelling,The Flamenco Arts Center, Clinard Dance Theater, Urban Arts Flamenco Project, Edna Manteca and the Chiara Mangiameli Ensemble. This is a unique opportunity to see most of the Flamenco community in Chicago together in one show. For tickets and venue info, visit www.maynestage.com.

Do you want to win tickets to this show?

The guys from Las Guitarras are giving away two tickets to the followers of Chicago Urbanite. So, if you want to get one of these tickets, just leave a comment in this post. The first two people leaving a comment get one ticket each. Good luck and see you this Saturday at Mayne Stage!

July 9, 2011July 9, 2011

Don’t Miss Chicago Folk and Roots Festival This Weekend

Summer is now in full swing in Chicago and there are many world music and dance activities going on in the city. My pick for this weekend is the Chicago Folk and Roots Festival. This festival is a two-day celebration organized by the Old Town School of Folk Music, an institution committed to teach and celebrate music and cultural expressions rooted in the tradition of diverse American and global communities. The festival attracts 30,000 people for a spectacular array of music and dance performances from around the world. The festival also offers dance workshops, children’s activities, food, drink, and retail vendors. This year, I will have the pleasure to participate in this great celebration as a dancer with Peruvian Folk Dance Center. If you are interested in seeing this performance, come by 3:30 pm today. There is a $10 donation to get in the festival ($5 for seniors, 65 and over, and $5 for kids). For more information about other performances and dance workshops, go to http://www.chicagofolkandroots.org/. Hope to see you there!

July 7, 2011July 7, 2011

Video of Ensemble Español performance at Flamenco Passion show 2011

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure to attend the Ensemble Español’s Flamenco Passion gala show in honor of the company’s 35th anniversary. What a feast to my eyes and ears! For more than two hours the company’s dancers and musicians performed with such passion and love for their art that I lost track of time and submerged myself fully into the flamenco experience. I found myself clapping, stomping, and dancing in my seat. Beautiful costumes and multimedia effects helped make this experience as memorable as when I saw a live flamenco performance for the first time. I remember having tears in my eyes on that occasion because I felt a deep connection with the spirit of this dance. At a very intuitive level, I sensed Flamenco’s origins rooted in poverty, despair and discrimination, and at the same time in a quest for survival, dignity, and joy for living. I think it is that courage to enjoy life despite adversity what attracts me the most about this dance. And that joy for living was successfully portrayed by the Ensemble during a piece called Alegrias y Jaleos (Happiness and Shouts of Joy). Here is the video for your enjoyment. And next Summer, please make sure to attend this show. It is well worth it.

June 26, 2011June 28, 2011

Today: Positive Chicago Hip Hop Culture Block Party at Millenium Park

Good morning Urbanites!

Today I have an excellent free show for you to check out. If you are looking for options on how to spend your afternoon, go to the Pritzker Pavillion at Millenium park at 6:30pm for the Hip Hop Chicago show that my good friend and excellent B-boy dancer Kid Jungle from T.A.F. dance is directing. This is a free and family friendly event that is built on the hit show that blew audiences away at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.

Hip Hop Chicago is an hour and a half long music and dance show that brings together 26 local artists to celebrate the best of Chicago hip hop culture with a showcase of authentic beats, rhymes, and moves that blend signature hip hop elements with American and international influences. The theme of the show is the portrayal of POSITIVE Hip Hop Culture and includes Breakdancing, Popping, Locking, African, and Capoeira dancers. African and Capoeira have been added to show some of the roots of Hip Hop dance. There will be musical pieces performed by Hip Hop Bands Sidewalk Chalk and St. Bagu.

This is a production of the Center for Asian Arts and Media at Columbia College Chicago,in conjunction with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

You can find more information about this show at www.hiphopchicago.org.

June 23, 2011June 23, 2011

June 24-26: Ensemble Espanol caps 35th American Spanish Dance and Music Festival with Flamenco Passion gala performances

Whoever is interested in Flamenco and lives in Chicago has heard of The Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater. For 35 years, this company of forty dancers, singers, and musicians led by artistic Director Dame Libby Komaiko, has been presenting and promoting Spanish dance and culture in all its forms. To celebrate this big accomplishment, the company is presenting a series of “Flamenco Passion” gala performances that will take place at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077. Live music for “Flamenco Passion”gala performances will be performed by guest musicians Manuel Palacín (Flamenco singer, National Ballet of Spain, Madrid); Paco Fonta (Flamenco singer and guitarist, Jáen/Miami) and Antonio Gabarri Jiménez (Flamenco guitarist, Madrid). Performances are Friday, June 24 and Saturday June 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 26 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $26-$46. Free parking is available. .On Saturday, June 25 there will be a special “Meet the Artists” benefit reception immediately following the 7:30 p.m. performance in the lobby of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. The reception will provide an opportunity to meet and greet Dame Libby Komaiko, Irma Suarez Ruiz, company dancers and guest artists. Spanish tapas by Café Marbella will be served along with wine, music & silent auction. Tickets are $60 and include entrance to the “Flamenco Passion” Saturday, 7:30 p.m. concert. For tickets or more information call 847-673-6300 or visit northshorecenter.org

Here is a sample of what you will see at this show. This style of Flamenco is called “Alegrias“, one of my favorite styles, specially when it is danced with the Bata de Cola. Ole!