Ballet Mestizo's Folkloric Fantasy 2(Thalia Spanish Theatre,
through August 3) blends the complexities of Colombia into a
hearty sancocho of colors, rhythms, and sounds. The energetic
troupe travels across the different regions of the country—from
the indigenous Andean valleys to the Afro-Caribbean
coast—without resting their feet. Currulao, a passionate dance
marked by a violent tempo, dates back to the slaves. Bambuco, an
indigenous style with European cadences, looks toward the
mountains for inspiration and romanticizes the life of the Þeld
worker (women skip merrily as they harvest coffee). Cumbia
brings the community together, combining African beats and
indigenous melody. The hip movement and sliding of the feet
denote the ball and chain attached to the ankles of the African
slaves, and the upper body movement nods to the Indians. Born
with deep roots, dance in Colombia belongs to the people—much
like coffee and emeralds, it too is a product of the land.
—Grace Bastidas  "This Woman's Work," co-curated