The here and now... and what and why

Complacency is a trap. At least that’s what I was thinking when I up and left the comfort of a Yankee prep school gig, where I taught music, amongst other things, for 28 years. There was also that life long career as a composer, musician and artist.

First, it was a year in St. Thomas, USVI, working as a reporter and shooting photography and then, a year in San Agustin Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Time passed.
More time passed and a year back in the Athens of America followed by a hasty return to Oaxaca where it is all happening.
A couple of years in San Sebastian Etla and now, just down the road in San Pablo Etla. Life is good.

Click on an image to see it larger.
For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
You can find my music on Jango (World & latin - Worldbeat) and at iTunes and most online stores.
¡Soy consciente de todas las tradiciones del Internet!
If you are coming to Oaxaca, please contact me for tours or advice.

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo
The view from Corazon del Pueblo

The hereafter re me

My photo
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Musician, photographer, videographer, reporter, ex-officio teacher, now attempting to be a world traveler

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

More of the finale - Los danzantes of Teotitlan del Valle

There were so many special moments on Saturday, as the dancers danced their final danza de la pluma.  The many hours of setup and preparation, the stately, formal and joyous arrivals of the each families, some led in by bands, all fed into the day's energy as the start approached.  Just before the dance began, each of the dancers was joined by a spouse, girlfriend, sister or mother.  Each woman was carrying a gourd filled with offerings that were distributed later.... after dancing the Jarabe with the gourds on their shoulders.  I'm kicking myself that I did not get everyone, but it happened quickly... and I hope I have their names right.  If I don't, please let me know.   They all deserve to be recognized,

Angel Ruiz Lopez
Roman Gutierrez Hipolito
Claudio Vincente Gutierrez
Francisco Javier Lazo Sosa
Gabriel Gonzalez Sanchez
Jose Antonio Ruiz Martinez
Leonardo Ruiz Lopez
Pedro Ruiz Lopez
Taurino Mendoza Martinez
I do have shots and video of all the dancers, just not in this particular moment.  I sure wish I had, but next time for sure.... I'll have three years to get ready!

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