CubaCaribe Festival Celebrates 18 Years
Monica Ascencio
The second weekend of the 18th Annual CubaCaribe Festival of Dance & Music opened June 14 at ODC Theater. Both Alayo Dance Company and ABADÁ-Capoeira Performance Company danced with the resistance and rhythms that show the community aspects of the cultural traditions of Brazil and Santiago de Cuba.
ABADÁ demonstrated the endurance of martial arts and athleticism with Capoeira and Maculelê presented in the original form with sticks and machetes. The coordination of this dance and machete control were phenomenal in this performance. Fire sparked from the machetes when the dancers partnered. From their chopping motions came something you wouldn’t expect, a natural firework. This dance and their performance quality are a signature of a warrior: agility, and a strong mind, but still playful. The performance felt strong and connected with Brazilian culture through dance, drumming, and singing.
The Alayo Dance Company’s performance of Comparsa de Congo was a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Cuba. The traditional movements of the Comparsa de Conga Rhythm, combined with the Contemporary Cuban Modern Choreography, created a truly phenomenal experience. The performance not only showcased the technical prowess of the company but also the deep-rooted community context of this traditional dance in Santiago de Cuba. Alayo’s incorporation of the Comparsa Carnaval’s festive feeling and sharp movements in this contemporary piece was a fresh and solid addition. Overall, the show was a celebration of their unique essence, radiating happiness and a strong sense of community.
Monica Ascencio is from San Francisco. She is an active dancer and performer of Brazilian, Latin, and Spanish dance. Her passion for dance and serving the community through the arts is what brought her to ODC, where she has worked since 2013. She hopes to keep inspiring people to dance as an ODC staff member and a Latina dancer in the Bay Area.
