Miss Obleas: Photoshoots; A journey of a performer...

Miss Obleas: Photoshoots:

Doing collaborations with photographers is always a nice experience as well as a learning opportunity for me, this time the idea and concept really gave me a buzz especially knowing the purpose of the photos.

Anita Cottle.- "basically took them as part of my City&Guilds photography course and for my assignment I chose to report on various events around musicians and the arts. I was drawn to the beautiful costumes of the Bolivian dancers and wanted to explore the colours and tradition of that culture. I also wanted to tell a story behind the preparation before the performance as well and show a behind-the-scenes view of the performer."

And she clearly did that !! She accompanied us on various occasions to different events, one Sunday we had two performances, and it would be arriving to the venue, get ready dance, then change then go straight to the next event, get ready, dance and get changed.

As a performer, I think that it is nice to show almost the: "behind-the-scenes" photos, what goes into the preparation of a performance, many people just see us dance at a show, event, festival... but they don't get to see all the preparation behind, like the rehearsals.The time we give towards a performance, as well of getting ready, like doing the hair, make up, etc.
Basically the transformation for us to go on stage and perform, the hours of preparation invested in a performance and the final preparations.

Anita Cottle, clearly show the detail of the costumes, and the performers in a different way that normally you see in pictures, a naturally and distinctive approach to photography, which shows the Bolivian costumes, in detail, close-up pictures, where you can see the detail of the designs and beads of the costumes, the colours that attract and grab your attention, and they can be seen in detail in the pictures, details that normally are not very much appreciated when performing, because looking at the detail of the costumes, you can also see the time, the imagination and the effort that goes towards making that costume.
The pictures also show the rehearsals, the preparation of getting dressed and ready with the costumes, the final touches before going on the stage, and the final pictures, the performance.

A journey that most people don't get to see too often.

As well as the pictures of the dancing performances, there are also, other pictures of artists, musicians, which also shows different stories and emotions.
 

You can see the pictures at : http://www.flickr.com/photos/65997463@N03/

Miss Obleas: Events.. Coming up in September.. a solo performance never seen before !!

From La Paz-Bolivia, done mix performances from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, as well as doing hip hop, recently some fussion bellydance, and took part in a Wayne McGregor contemporary piece for Big Dance Trafalgar square. and now looking forward to perform my own piece this September. It will be a fussion of all the ryhtms that I've done so far. With one of my favourites... ;) 

It will be a very mixed but selected perfomance from various performers in London, and a pleasure for me to take part !! It will be in the Westminster area of London.




More info comming soon !!

Past Events                                 Month                     Place

Bolivian Dance / Performance          23rd June          The Latin Corner
@ 8pm    
Bolivian Dance                                 30th June          East London
Group presentation :                        14th July            Trafalgar Square
Contemporary Dance
Bolivian Dance                                                           Wimbledon
Latin/Belly dance :                           22nd July            Central London ( Guanabara )
Colombian Dance                            8th August          Central London ( Bar Salsa )

It shouldn't happen to a Performer, and it happened to me !!! Advice on how it shouldn't happen to you :)

 

Over the past six years, in which I had dance lessons, danced in groups and doing my solo performances, I've experienced quite a few things that shouldn't happen to a performer, such as costume not fitting properly, music stopping in the middle of the performance, or not having music at all!, people from the group missing and having to improvise on the day of the show, going to the wrong venue, or arriving late because of lack of information, etc, just to name a few!!. But as the song says, the show must go on. :)

So based on  my experience I've decided to write a few points to consider when you want to take up a lesson, whether you are a performer in a group, or simply some advice to consider when you are planning your solo performance.


1.- Research
   

     a) take time to research the type of dance you would like to do/learn, I think its important to have a bit of knowledge of the dance, prior to the lesson, or rehearsal you might want to do. To have a clear idea of what to expect! it has to be something that you like, would enjoy doing and would like to learn more about it.


2.- Rehearsal time !!
   

    a) Its important to allow yourself to concentrate for at least 1hour, on the dance/ choreography , without interruptions, but of course with breaks!! . Sometimes the "rehearsal time" can turn into a talking time, I do think its important to ask questions if you don't understand something but when the time is right or at the end of the rehearsal.
    If you are preparing your solo performance, the same, allow your self to concentrate and work on your choreography and right down important points to remember.

    

    b) Be prepared !! wear appropriate dance rehearsal clothing, shoes, etc, you could take an extra t shirt to change,etc.If you wanted to.
   

    c) Bring some water !! its important to keep the body hydrated, and if you want bring an snack, for your break, or for the end of the rehearsal.
    

    d) Concentrate ! the rehearsal time should be for learning and concentrating in remembering what you are doing during this time, for you to be able to remember and move on in the next lesson. Remember this time its precious !!
   

    e) Arrive on time !
  

3.- The build up for the show time !!
      In your dance lessons :
      a) For an end of term show, of your dance lessons, your teacher normally advise to do a dress rehearsal prior to the show, its important to have this dress rehearsal to make sure that you will be able to perform your dance routine as well as you do it in your rehearsal clothes.And for you to know whether you might need to do some alterations to your costume, its important that you feel confident and prepare for the show.

      b) Your dance teacher should let you know the place/venue for the show,in advance, and information for you to know exactly where to go and for you to let your family and friends know. Have this information written down.

       c) Normally the teacher will be in charge of the music, unless you might be doing a different piece, but because is the group performance, normally the teacher will be responsible of the music, and sometimes, will send you a copy for you to rehearse at home, if not you might want to ask for it, if you want to.

      In your dance group :
      a) Normally the same applies, its important to know which costume you'll be wearing, to have it fitted and checked. Sometimes you might have a dress rehearsal, to make sure the costume fits properly so you will be able to perform on the day of the show or event.

       b) Everyone should be informed of the information of the venue, name , address, time, and perhaps everyone will go together to avoid, delays arriving to the place.  This information should be talked trough at one of your group's rehearsal. and you should have it written down, and checked before you go, to also give directions to your other group members if they cant get there or get lost. Everyone should agree on the time to arrive at the venue.
      
      c) Everyone should have a copy of the music, to rehearse, and just in case, some other people loose it, everyone in the group should be able to know the name of the song, length, etc, basic information of the performance, remember you are dancing and working as a group, everyone should know what they are doing, and what they are dancing !! just in case someone asks you and your group leader is not there to answer, you should be able to answer, remember you are representing your self as a performer as well as representing your group.


      For your solo performance:
      a) the build up to your solo performance should apply the same points mentioned above, but more carefully , as you will be relying purely on yourself. Make sure you do have a dress rehearsal, time yourself so you know how long it takes you to get ready, to put your costume on, alone !! make sure your costume fits properly and you don't have to make any alterations to it.

      b) You should contact the event representative or the people in charge of the event, to make sure the information of the event, place, date and time, and to make sure that it hasn't changed etc. Check the place before, make sure you can get there, and know the place. ask the event organiser for some contact numbers other than theirs, just in case on the day you might not be able to get in touch with them , so you have other people to contact.

      c) You should have the music on Cd, or ipod, ask the event organiser about the music at the venue, whether its ok Cd, mp3, etc. but always have ready both just in case! You can send the song of your performance directly to the event organisers, you should know the name, length, etc, and also the space that you might need for your performance, and let the organisers know.

More info comming soon , and if you would like to share your experiences or advise please do so !! thanks :)

Miss Obleas: Dancing

Miss Obleas: Dancing:  

Tobas
The tobas is a folkloric dance from Bolivia. It's a dance that derives from the indigenous people in the amazon. It was brought to the rest of Bolivia when the incas captured them, but they let them keep their costumes and traditions.
The Tobas dance is a special representation of energy - a singular dance with impressive jumps performed by the dancers to impress the audience. This unique dance is performed during religious and other festivities as well as the Oruro Carnival.Not only do you need a good physique ,but a lot of stamina and energy.
The dance steps have special names: Bolivar (quick with regular jumps); camba (very agile, one meter high jumps); chucu-chucu (with a faster rhythm that amuse the audience, in the foot tips, almost in the knees); and the cullahui jump.
Costume is: head wear entirely made of feathers,decorated with jewels, a skirt and top decorated made with colorful fabrics,with beads and fringes on the bottom , with cows feet sewed onto fabric to tie around the ankle , spear or hatchet, bracelet of feathers ,and an anklet of feathers.

A British Summer of ::: Obleas, Strawberries and Cream :::

Obleas, part of the traditional cuisine in Colombia, Venezuela and México where it is known as an oblea. Usually eaten as a dessert with two pieces filled with arequipe, dulce de leche (milk caramel) and/or sweetened condensed milk in the middle. In some places they might contain cheese, fruits, chantilly cream, among others. They are usually very popular.
We are currently working on launching our range of products, and recipes for Obleas, and this is a preview of some of the recipes we have in mind.

 I wanted to mix the ingredients that I like, and I totally love strawberries, I actually grow some myself in my garden :)  I think presentation is very important , in anything you do, and for me, to present the dessert with obleas, strawberries and cream, I wanted to do something different.

I also used raspberries, and it was lovely, the Obleas , strawberries/raspberries and cream was the perfect combination to have as a dessert :)

Miss Obleas: Dancing

Miss Obleas: Dancing:

San Juanito

Considered the national rhythm of Ecuador, the San Juanito's pre-Columbian origins boast joyful rhythms and melancholic melodies. According to musicologists it is a unique combination which denotes the feeling of the Ecuadorian indigenous native.

Today the San Juanito is played with a variety of indigenous instruments such as the rondador ( a small panpipe), the pinguillo (a type of flute), the bandolin (a type of chordophone), and the dulzaina (a intstrument similar to an oboe). These are joined by foreign instruments such as the guitar, quena (a reed flute), drums, zampoñas (a type of panpipe), etc. as well as electronic instruments, which give it a modern style.

For the indigenous native of Ecuador, dancing the San Juanito expresses a communal message of unity, feeling, identity, and relationship with Mother Earth (Pacha mama).

For the mestizo, dancing San Juanito conveys a message of joyful enthusiasm and national identity.

Today the San Juanito is a part of the repertoire of various traditional festivals and social gatherings across the country. During lively festivals, dancers showcase their best moves and dance forming circles and small trains of people.

 

 

Flash-Mob at an Arsenal Celebrity Charity Match (Hertfordshire)

Living the dream is one of the few performing arts companies in the UK run by young people for young people.
Dancers performed a flash-mob at an Arsenal celebrity charity match on the 13th May.

 The event was to raise money for Bailey Sarwa who is a 12 year old boy from Marlborough School. He was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 4 and after being in remission for almost 7 years following treatment, he has relapsed and there are no options left in this country to treat him.  His family need to raise £500,000 to take him to America where he can get treatment to save his life.

Lucien Laviscount, Ziggy Lichman, Charlie Hawkins and Ralf Little were among those showing their footie skills.

 

The performance started with a solo Micheal Jackson performance in the middle of the pitch, then gradually groups of dancers gathered along and started the dance routine, that everybody follow, almost 5 different groups, gathered to perform the final piece of music.

Music from Destiny's Child, Survivor, LFMAO, Christina Aguilera, etc.It was a nice entertaining afternoon and for a very good cause.

  Video of the performance:

 

...::: Diego Laverde : Arpa Llanera :::...

La Musica tiene la magia de transmitir sentimientos que a veces no se pueden explicar con Palabras

El pasado sabado 16 de Junio, tuve el placer de precenciar la magia de sentimientos que transmite El musico Colombiano Diego Laverde a travez de su arte, musica, talento,sencillez y porsupuesto... el Arpa.

En un evento organizado para festejar el festival del Joropo, en un ambiente llamado The Latin Corner, cerca de Camden Town en el centro de Londres, se encontraba y descataba el talento del musico colombiano.

Mucho escuche del musico Diego Laverde, pero no habia tenido la oportunidad de ir a una de sus presentaciones, y despues de haber asistido el sabado pasado, estoy segura que no sera la primera ni la ultima vez que lo haga.

Y es que la musica, en todo sus generos, es una manera de expresarse, una manera de transmitir aquello que talvez no se puede decir con palabras. y mediante el arpa Diego Laverde aparte de transmitir esas emociones, destaca la la musica y su pasion mediante el Arpa, tambien nos deleito con su canto, un talento unico que recien tuve el placer de escuchar y conocer el sabado pasado.

Espero con ansias volver a una de sus presentaciones :)

Algunas de sus canciones de la noche :) 

Miss Obleas: Events

Upcoming Events/ performances :

Event                                  Month                     Place

Dance / Performance          23rd June             Camden Town ( details to be announced)


Dance/ Workshop              30th June                East London ( details to be announced)


Group presentation :           14th July                  Trafalgar Square 
Contemporary Dance


Latin/Belly dance :               22nd July                 Central London ( to be announced)


Dance/ Solo performance
To be confirmed  :               2nd September                London

Roots of Colombian music

Cumbia

In the 1500s, the Atlantic region was an entrance port of the slave trafficking
heading towards South America. Some of these slaves escaped, building isolated
communities in scrublands called Palenques. Between 1529 and 1799, twenty-six
palenques were formed. San Basilio Palenque was the most famous, formed by the king
of an African tribe. Cumbia owes to this Palenque, its dance structure, inherited from its
ceremonial dances. (Cardenas, 1992).

Cumbia resemblances the Taino-Caribe’s Areito, a circle of dance practiced in the
Caribbean. Their influence is rooted through kinship relations between Caribbean and
Colombian tribes. An early expression of cumbia; was played in the early 1800s as
Gaitero instrumental music, an ensemble consisting of gaitas, playing with the steady
beat of drums, and the embellished with maracas. (Morales, 2003)

During the 1700’s, the nationalist Colombians re-arranged European dance genres
like the English country-dance, creating the first songs and dances with a tri-cultural
feeling. Colombian people envisioned a territorial unity and the possibility to sustain
capitalist relations with the rest of the world. Education became a priority, to find a
cultural identity. During the struggle for Colombian’s independence, cumbia a dance for
African and indigenous laborers, became the dance of national resistance.

Toto la Momposina, believes that cumbia originates as a courting dance between
energetic African men and reserved indigenous women, oppressed communities who
were prohibited to intermarry; this makes the cumbia a subversive act of mixture. Music
involved socializing; it mediated contexts of social relations, which were highly charged
with tension. (Wade, 2000)

In the 20th century, many young Colombians were educated in Europe, and
brought back patriotic and revolutionary ideas, represented as new musical ideas that
evolved from the basic rhythm of European dances. (Cardenas, 1992). The Andean
region, was home to the social elites and valued only their creolized-European traditions;
this shaped Colombian early national identity. Inhabitants of the Atlantic coast, were
marginalized and perceived as immoral, because of their African and native cultural
background. With the Big Band craze, the Cumbia was stylized
with similar instrument configuration of the swing bands, and gain national popularity.
Cumbia was described then as:

A rolling, infectious 2/4 beat that seems like a fusion between merengue
and reggae, with a similar backbeat that sends it surging forward. The
cumbia dance is based on hip rocking…

In the 1950’s, Cumbia was modernized with recording techniques becoming
faster and stylized. Lucho Bermudez, the orchestra leader of La Sonora Dinamita,
combined cumbia with other forms of Afro Cuban music. Today, cumbia has a
significant influence in Latin American tropical pop music. (Morales, 2003).