THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF MEXICO AND TALENTO BILINGÜE HOUSTON ANNOUNCE THE FIRST EVER DANZÓN EVENT

The Consulate General of Mexico closely collaborates with Talento Bilingüe Houston to offer programs including films, exhibits, and performances to cater the varied public in the city.

HOUSTON, TX (January 11, 2012) – The Consulate General of Mexico and Talento Bilingüe Houston are proud to announce the first ever danzon event in Houston. Mark your calendars with all the activities we have prepared where you will not only have the opportunity to view the thematic photographic exhibition but also learn the captivating steps to this dance.

It all started with the forthcoming opening of the temporary exhibit of Mexican photographer, Cristina Kahlo’s collection entitled Tiempo de Danzón (Time of Danzon), on view from January 18 to February 12, 2012 at the gallery space in Talento Bilingüe Houston.

This exhibit, made up by 50 medium format photographs, both black and white, and color, explore the mood, character and atmosphere that surround the dance that throughout the years has grown to be considered a Mexican tradition.

The origins of the danzon date back to 1879’s Cuba; modified from creole dances, this rhythm was adopted by Mexicans who gather in central plazas in towns throughout Mexico to dance for hours. Couples take special care in combining their outfits to match each other sometimes with a subtle detail that can be men’s socks matching the color of the ladies’ dress. This activity, almost considered a ritual among older adults, is a tradition well rooted in Mexican folklore that passes on generation to generation.

The exhibit resulted after four years of photographic documentation of dance evenings where the photographer captures the elaborate dress code followed by the couples; the shirts cuffs, suspenders, feathers, and the unmistakable dual color shoes. And capturing the essence of the danzon goes beyond; to paying particular attention to the way the couples hold hands, the positioning of fingers, the elegance of swirls and the continuity of this art when children, in full outfits, learn the basic danzon steps from their own grandparents.

While exploring the possibility of holding a danzon performance it was made clear to us that such dance had no presence in Houston. Given this, as a supporting activity, a danzon workshop will be held at the venue. The lead instructor, Maestro Miguel Angel Zamudio is one of the best known danzoneros in Mexico. He does not only contribute to maintain this tradition alive by organizing festivals and disseminating danzon information whenever possible, but also is credited for teaching many younger generations of danzoneros.

The closing event will be a performance in which a choreography with workshop attendants will be included.

PROGRAM

The event will kick off on Wednesday, February 1st at 7:00pm with the opening of the exhibit Tiempo de Danzón - A photographic selection of the work that Cristina Kahlo has captured along four years.

Danzon workshops, delivered to all enthusiasts that sign up at Talento Bilingüe, will be held from Thursday, February 9 to Saturday, February 11, please confirm times at venue.

Our closing event on Sunday, February 12, will be your last opportunity to view the photographs and for you to enjoy a danzon performance led by one of the most renown danzoneros, Maestro Zamudio, from Veracruz, Mexico.

Closing event will also include participation of the newly taught Houstonian danzoneros.

VENUE

The exhibit, workshop and performance will take place at

Talento Bilingüe Houston 333 S. Jensen Dr. Houston, TX 77003

ADMISSION Although this event is free, we will have limited spaces available for the workshop that will be conducted on first come first served basis. Please contact Talento Bilingüe to sign up. Remember no previous experience is required.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Angeles Romero Director of Programs Talento Bilingüe Houston Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. 713.222.1213 713.240.1411 cell

OR

Maria de Jesús Ramirez Press Officer Consulate General of Mexico Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. 713.778.6103

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