He Lei No Manoalani

He Lei No Manoalani 

 

Hey there everybody! I have not talked to you guys in a while. Anyway, this particular blog is going to be a bit different than the others. Usually, I discuss a particular dance of a country. Today, I actually decided to change things up a bit and discuss a particular song. It is a song that I not too long ago discovered. I first heard it during the traditional Hawaiian Hula dance of BYU's Living Legends show. The song is called "He Lei Manoalani" by Justin Young.

 

I believe this song reveals the true beauty of the Hawaiian culture. The tenderness of it displays the geniality and the gentleness of the people. As a result of the loveliness of the song, many natives choose this song to dance their traditional Hula to. The song accompanies the serenity of the dance perfectly.

 

This song is a Hawaiian song, but that certainly does not mean you have to be Hawaiian to listen to it! Take me for example, I have absolutely no Polynesian heritage, but the moment the beautiful compilation of notes oozed their way into my ears, my whole body reached a state of tranquility. That is one thing I love about music. It can bring together different nationalities. No matter what your ethnicity is or who your ancestors were, a heart-warming song can be enjoyed and appreciated by anyone. 

All in all, I hope you all check out this song! I absolutely love listening to it! Even though I cannot understand the lyrics, tenderness of the song can calm me down, cheer me, and put a genuine smile on my face.

Beautiful Ballet Folklorico

There are many things in my life that I tire of. For example, I can enjoy a certain snack for only so long before getting sick of it. Yet, there is one hobby that never bores me: dancing Ballet Folklorico. 

 

I have been dancing Ballet Folklorico ever since I can remember. My mom tells me, "When you were in my tummy, you were already dancing." She and my grandmother have taught Ballet Folklorico for years. That must be where I get my knack from. As soon as I stepped onto the dance floor, all the intricate footwork and movements came naturally. I still have had to practice of course, but it has always come much easier to me than it has for others.

 

When I put my dance shoes on (they are the shoes in the picture) I enter a whole other world. This world sets me free of all the worries that consume my mind. It takes my hardships away and fills in the gaps with joy and ecstasy. When I perform on stage and present my culture through music and dance, a sense of pride swells within my soul. I can feel my ancestors vibrantly smiling down at me from the heavens. All of these delightful emotions cause me to have a deep, ardent passion for dancing.        

 

To take my dancing to the next level, I hope to join the Living Legends cultural dance group at Brigham Young University. I had a previous post discussing this college dance group. Joining Living Legends would not only allow me to continue performing Ballet Folklorico dances, but it would also teach me how to do dances from Latin, Polynesian, and Native American countries. What a great experience that would be.  

 

BYU Living Legends Dance

Living Legends

Watch this Youtube video made by a member of the Living Legends dance group: Living Legends: Traditions of the Past

An additional video made by the Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah): Living Legends 2012

I cannot even begin to explain how much I love this dance group! My parents, some of my sisters, uncles, aunts, and cousins have all participated in this group at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I have seen this show live several times to see my sisters perform. Yet, even though I have seen the show more than once, I never get tired of it. 

 

Every time I see the show or listen to the music (I have the dance group's songs on my IPod), I feel a sense of pride build up in me. The group performs Latin, Polynesian, and Native American dances. The show itself tells the story of their ancestors through music and dance. Being of Latin heritage, watching this group perform always reminds me of who I am and where I come from. I receive a deep appreciation and respect for not only my culture but for the other cultures as well.

 

Many emotions are incorporated in this dance group's show. Some dances are lively and exciting, while others are calm and spiritual. In the end, Living Legends always puts on a great show. As the group travels around the world to perform, if they ever make a stop near your town, I invite you to purchase a ticket and see the show!

Music Reviews of 2013

List of Top Ten Songs:

 

#1.) Blurred Lines -by Robin Thicke feat. Pharrel T.I. 

Robin Thicke smooth talks the ladies with this smashing hit. The song has been inescapable since the day of its release, thanks to the funky, disco beat, saucy lyrics, and Thicke's unbelievable voice.

#2.) Royals- by Lorde

Newcomer Lorde stormed the charts with 'Royals', her first single. In this song, she reminds us that there's more to life than an expensive timepiece. She was able to send this message through a catchy beat.

#3.) Roar- by Katy Perry

Katy Perry is fierce and ferocious on 'Roar,' the empowering track from her brand-new album 'Prism.

Read More: Top Songs of 2013 | http://popcrush.com/top-songs-2013/?trackback=tsmclip

Katy Perry is fierce and ferocious on 'Roar,' the empowering track from her brand-new album 'Prism.' Combining Perry's catchy pop style with a healthy dose of lyrical aggression is a magical formula. It's no wonder the song shot up the charts so quickly.

#4.) Stay- by Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko

'Stay' is a vulnerable ballad using little more than piano and vocals to describe a tortured relationship. The song introduces the world to the voice of Mikky Ekko, who co-wrote the track, and features on of Rihanna's most impressive vocal performances as she reveals a more personal  and intimate side.

#5.) Mirrors- by Justin Timberlake

In this song, the artist sings that he's found his soul-mate. The eight-minute track ends with three minutes of falsetto cooing, reminding listeners that Justin is still the king of modern soul-pop.

#6.) Get Lucky- by Draft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams 

This is Draft Punk's first hit single since 2007. Draft Punk recruited   Pharrel Williams to croon on this disco-esque, lighthearted jam, an easily digestible and danceable tune not just for electro fans, but music lovers in general.

#7.) 22- by Taylor Swift 

For the fourth single from her 'Red' album, Taylor Swift chose to release one of the best songs of her career, '22,' a joyous anthem about being carefree while she's young.

#8.) When I Was Your Man- by Bruno Mars 

Bruno Mars has a lot of regrets in 'When I Was Your Man,' when he thinks back to a special girl who moved on to another guy. Mars sings that he didn't mistreat her, but he didn't go out of his way to make her feel special.

#9.) Wrecking Ball- by Miley Cyrus

This power ballad is Miley at her best, belting heartfelt lyrics with layers of emotion. The singer has been trying to convince us of her new, mature image and with 'Wrecking Ball,' she wins many people over.

#10.) Thrift Shop- by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis scored the surprise hip-hop smash of early 2013 with their ode to finding discarded treasure in the second-hand store. The Seattle rapper made an international decision to contradict the typical hip-hop themes of living large and spending millions, and it worked out as fans everywhere embraced the tribute to budget living.

Image Credit: 

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Ballet Folklorico Dance Step

 

Ballet Folklorico is famous for intricate footwork. There are various styles and levels of difficulty. Learning Ballet Folklorico always begins with learning simplified dance steps. As a dance student learns to manipulate their feet and make rhythmic sounds, they become more capable of mastering difficult dance steps. However, this is a long process and must be approached with much patience. One of the first dance steps I learned was an easy combination of simple feet movements. The step went to the dance called “Los Machetes”.

Materials

The three most important materials required for practicing Ballet Folklorico are dance shoes and dance attire. The typical dance shoes the girls wear are character shoes that have nail heads on the heel and under the toes (similar to tap shoes) to make loud sounds in order to hear the footwork. Boys usually wear boots that have a similar heel and toe structure. These shoes are very expensive. Fortunately, for this exercise, any shoe with a hard heel will work. Dance attire includes comfortable, stretchy exercise clothing. Girls additionally wear a double-circular, ankle-length practice skirt. Serious dancer students usually wear some form of a leotard top and sleek, knit sweat pants. However, for this exercise, the most important thing is to wear something comfortable that allows easy movement. Girls will need to wear a practice skirt.

Five Steps Involved in the the Dance Step:

1. Starting Position

2. Heel-Toe-Step

3. Turn

4. Remata Step

5. Repeat

Step 1: Starting Position

In this dance step, there are two correct starting positions, one for girls and one for boys. The girls will need to grab the left edge of the skirt with the left hand and the right edge of the skirt with the right hand. Both hands should be placed on their hips. Boys should fist their right hand and have their left hand hold their right wrist behind their backs. Their elbows should be bent enough so that their hands are resting on the center of their back. During the whole step the boys will keep in this position. Be sure to not slouch especially during the performance because it looks unprofessional and sloppy.

Step 2: Heel-Toe-Step

Next, place your right foot out at a diagonal. Flex your foot so that your heel is touching the ground while your toes are off the ground, pointing upwards. From there, cross the right foot over your left foot, and this time you point your toes to the ground and lift your heel so that it points upwards. These two movements equal one sequence. Complete two

sequences. One thing to watch out for is to keep your balance. Crossing your feet can result in tangled feet.

Step 3: Turn

So far, boys and girls have done the same movements. In this next step that will change. After you have accomplished two sequences of the heel-toe-step, both genders will turn a full circle. Because the dance step was started with the right foot, you are going to turn to the right. The difference is that while the girls spin, they will hold their skirts up by

removing their hands from their hips and stretching their arms to the sides. Make sure you only do one full turn.

Step 4: Remate Step

Most Ballet Folklorico dance steps end with a “remate” step, which is an ending step. The “remate” step is like a period at the end of a sentence. The “remate” step is basically three stomps done in a marching fashion. This is probably the simplest part of the whole dance step. Once you have successfully spun a full circle, you are going to stomp three stomps, at a medium pace. Since you started with the right foot from the beginning, you are going to stomp first with the right foot, then the left, then the right again. The dance step is now complete.

Step 5: Repeat

After the “remate” all you do is repeat steps 2 – 4 four times. Each time you repeat the steps you switch feet. That means that instead of starting with the right foot you are going to start each step with the left foot. For example, place your left foot at a diagonal on your heel, cross your left foot over your right foot, spin to the left, and finally start the

“remate” with the left foot.

Well Done!

Congratulations, you have mastered a Ballet Folklorico dance step! This particular dance step may seem simple, but remember that you have to start with simple steps in order to be prepared for more challenging footwork. As you progress in dancing, you become well coordinated. Coordination is a key quality in other sports and physical activities. In addition, because dancing requires much practice, it teaches you discipline and tolerance, and as you become more advanced, you gain self confidence. These traits are useful for a myriad of future situations. Most importantly, Ballet Folklorico puts a smile on your face.

Passionate Argentina

The Land of the Gauchos



My sister Adriana in Argentine dance costume
 

Argentina is in the southern tip of South America, bordered by Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile. It is the eighth largest country in the world and encompasses a diversity of culture. Argentina’s culture is greatly influenced by its prominent immigrant population. From these assorted traditions emerged many unique and widely celebrated folkloric and popular Argentine dance forms.

Tango

The tango developed in the 1880’s in the destitute city neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, and became the characteristic expression of the lower classes, many of who were recent immigrants from Europe. Tango is a dance of passion, elegance, grace, speed and intricate steps. Starting in the local cafes, it finally made its way inside the middle and upper class Argentinean homes. The embrace is central to this dance form as partners dance very close to each other. An entire range of human emotions is expressed in tango.

During fast development in 1880-1930, the very rich often traveled to Europe at least once a year. It was they who introduced Argentine tango to the Parisian nobility. Tango became the craze of the time right away – from Paris, the dance and music rapidly migrated to other big capitals.

Tango evolved as it moved both through the societal levels within Argentina and as it mixed with other world dance cultures. The historic Argentine tango was influenced by the tango Habanera which evolved from the milonga and the tango flamenco. The milonga was danced and played by rural populations in Argentina and combined indigenous rhythms with the music of early Spanish colonists. Aspects of the Argentine tango are also attributed to a dance called Candombe, which was danced by Africans and their descendents living in Buenos Aires. The male Candombe dancers danced with their knees flexed in order to demonstrate their dance skills.

The tango is now considered an integral component of Argentine culture, both in its social and theatrical forms. Internationally, it is equally popular amongst Hispanic and crossover audiences.

Malambo

The dances from the town of Santiago del Estero come mainly from Europe and the culture of the gaucho, or South American "cowboy". The term "gaucho" refers to the men of indigenous roots mixed with African and/ or European ancestry, who took up the work of tending cattle. Fiercely independent, they lived in a very difficult world of work and solitude. Gauchos still exist and work on ranches and in rural areas.

The style of dance that gauchos typically enjoyed was called malambos. Incorporating zapateo, the art of percussive footwork, rooted in Spanish Flamenco, malambos were traditionally performed by men. This dance form was often used as a form of competition between two or more men. The music features guitar and the bombo, or the drum.

The boleadoras were originally a weapon used by the indigenous people and adopted by the gauchos, to entrap fleeing animals. It is said that in the early 1950's, Santiago Ayala began incorporating footwork (zapateo) with weapons, establishing the malambos with, eventually, the famous boleadoras. The dancer uses two wooden balls as boleadoras, making rhythms against the floor, and whirling them in a rotational motion. Increasing the complexity of movements increased the rhythmic possibilities, becoming an exciting dance both physically and musically.

Home of The Leprechauns

One of Its Real Treasures

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The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Ireland is a dancing leprechaun searching for treasure at the edge of a rainbow. One of Ireland’s true treasures is its dancing. Throughout Ireland’s history, dance was and continues to be an integral aspect of its culture. In 1569, Sir Henry Sydney wrote to Queen Elizabeth about the Irish people: “They are very beautiful, magnificently dressed and first class dancers” They have dances for every emotion known to man. The Irish danced for worship purposes, times of celebration, and events of utter sadness. Up until the 18^th century, a majority of Irish dances were communal, or done by large groups of people. In the 1900s, the dance masters developed, for the first ever, solo steps.

 

Dance Masters

In Ireland during the 18^th and 19^th centuries, Dance Masters, who were traveling teachers and performers, presented new dance styles from distant places like France. It was honorable for a town to host any of these “professional” dancers. Dance Masters formalized Irish dancing by creating new types of dance styles, such as step dancing.

Step Dancing

Step dancing is the most well known form of Irish dancing. The characteristic that stands out the most is the stillness of the upper body while the feet execute fast, intricate foot percussion.

Types of Step Dancing

1. Reel- whirling, spinning dance
2. Jig- most famous type of step dancing
3. Slip Jig- has a lighter step with hopping and sliding motions, usually danced by two couples
4. Hornpipe- solo dance usually done by one male

 

Riverdance

In the 20th century, Irish dancing made its way to the big theater. Riverdance is a theatrical show that performs traditional Irish step dancing; is so popular that it has lived for nearly 20 years. Michael Flatley, the founder of the show, exposed Irish folk dancing to the world.