Margarita at UCLA (October, 2005)
I’ve been going consistently to danza ensayos (practices) consistently for about 10 months now with a hiatus in the fall because of class. In the winter quarter, I used the practices and workshops the group held for my qualitative methods course. I took notes and really didn’t dance, but did participate in other aspects.
One of the main things that I noticed while taking fieldnotes was that families were a central part of the group. It’s the same with many other danza groups in and around LA. I don’t dance with my parents, siblings or brothers, but did start going after a long time friend (Ralph) invited me last summer. Even though my family isn’t there at danza with me, I still feel that sense of familia with the members who regularly attend.
The actual physical activity of dancing may bring its own rewards and personal fulfillment, but the people keep me going back.
Magnificent photo! Dancing gets passed from generation to generation, dancing w. elders to learn makes one feel part of the family in my experience.
My oldest niece danced her first salsa song with my sister (her mom) and I, practicing for the afternoon we’d visit her pre-school to teach the class who to dance salsa. It was so precious to see her show her peers what she had learned, that day two of her young classmates wanted to dance w. her. (we should have had a camera to capture the moment) In good diplomatic fashion, she danced in the middle of the two.
simon,
some folks think that danza is something chicanos/as came up with, but it does go back to mexico and to indigenous elders (although i think that chicanos/as don’t realize how much catholic influence it has, something that many elders are okay, like praying to Santos).
i also miss danza. i used to love Cuahutonal cuz of the family atmospher, lots of niños. there i learned the importance of “ser humilde pero fuerte.”
although i’m still skeptic about any spiritual organizations, i feel comfortable with them. the group i was group weren’t fundamentalist who wanted to imposse.
peace.
I’m always trying to convince people that dance and basketball are almost exactly the same. And with both, it’s amazing how silent, subtle relationships start to develop between you and the others over time.
I play basketball in my gym at least three times a week, almost always with the same people. We lean on each other, push each other, sweat on each other, make each other bleed. And yet we rarely ever talk. Usually we don’t even say hello, just an acknowledging nod. That sort of interaction week in and week out makes for strange and yet comfortable relationships.
I’ve found the same to be true of dancing. Sometimes I see the same girls out at some club or bar and we dance, but I don’t want to talk … the talking somehow ruins it … sometimes the body is much more communicative.