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| Greta at Streetcar Named Desire. |
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| Greta and Myrena Sint Jago on Broadway New York City. |
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| Sam Sherrod and Greta following Play "A Streetcar Named Desire" |
Showing posts with label Theatre Events Around Town. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Theatre Events Around Town. Show all posts
April 28, 2012
Greta Trapenberg, LDTCC's President Visits New York City
October 11, 2011
Celebrating LDT's Five Year Journey
*Celebrating L.D.T.'s Five Year Journey
2006 to 2011
Hosted by: Liberata Dance Theatre, Inc.
at
Joria Main Stage Theater
3rd Floor
260 West 36th Street
Between 7th and 8th Avenues
Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
December 2nd, and 3rd, 2011
Friday and Saturday evenings 8:00PM
Tickets $25 Donation 100% Tax deductible.
For ticket information or
Also to post an Ad in our program
contact: Samuel Sherrod
At: 212 971-6054 or 917 692-5492
Email: curaterra@aol.com
Web: www.LiberataDT.org
2006 to 2011
Hosted by: Liberata Dance Theatre, Inc.
at
Joria Main Stage Theater
3rd Floor
260 West 36th Street
Between 7th and 8th Avenues
Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
December 2nd, and 3rd, 2011
Friday and Saturday evenings 8:00PM
Tickets $25 Donation 100% Tax deductible.
For ticket information or
Also to post an Ad in our program
contact: Samuel Sherrod
At: 212 971-6054 or 917 692-5492
Email: curaterra@aol.com
Web: www.LiberataDT.org
*This is a Fundraising Event that will include Video Projections,
Live Performances and Refreshments.
Live Performances and Refreshments.
August 9, 2011
LDTCC's Summer 2011 Workshop Performance at Curacao's K - Center
Obra: “Konekshon 24/7, Di Bèrdè?”
di L.D.T.C.C.
ta presentá Un Anochi di baile, poesia, drama, músika i kanto
Luga: K - Center
Fecha: ougùstùs 21, 2011
Ora: 6:00p.m.
Entrada: fl. 15 pa adulto i fl. 5 pa muchanan te ku 12 aña
Pa Karchi por yama: 522-0125 & 465-8483,
tambe na porta
Fundraising
Liberata Dance Theatre Curacao Connection Foundation
May 9, 2011
Success! LDT's Second Annual Fundraiser/Dinner & Award Ceremony Part One
All photos by C. Stossel 4/9/11
Laverne Sparrow, Barry Alexander & Manuel Moran were this year's Honored Guests and Award Recipients.
Liberata Dance Theatre's Annual Event was a huge success this year 2011 Part One.
LDT's Second Annual Fundraiser Dinner/Lucy Awards Ceremony was held at the Ailey Studios on Saturday April 9 2011. The evening included our "Lucy" Award ceremony, a dinner and performance by different artists plus a performance by LDT. The name Lucy was chosen as an honor to the remnants of the first human being which was found in Africa. The first human being from whom all of us descended, Black, Brown, Red, Yellow, White and all in between.
Climatological differences; an honor to Lucy's descendants who are doing wonderful things in the arts and in our community. Our honorees were Manuel Moran, Laverne Sparrow and Barry Alexander. Solo presentations by two great performers Sheila Galilei and Andy Monroe in addition to a song by Barry Alexander one of our honored guests.
LDT performed a poem "SPRING"= INSPIRATION= CELEBRATION written and choreographed by Myrena Sint Jago, President and Artistic Director and directed by Luis Caballero and guest performer and LDT's advisor, Fred Johnson, a multi-talented individual. The evening was openend by Soni Caballero with a beautiful chant and ceremonial blessing. LDT also presented a piece on "Carnaval", a joyous, colorful music and dance. LDT performers included Haruka Fujimoto, Coreen Robledo and Carrie See Yuen who is also on the Board of Directors and MC for this event. The group had the audience dancing and clapping. Again, it was a successful evening with a lot of food, laughter, applause, inspiration, celebration, networking and possibilities.
LDT received various donations and promises for in-kind-service. It was a full house of supporters, donors, friends, a number of board members and a few advisors and their guests, who all appeared to have enjoyed themselves; their warm congratulations, kudos and applause showed their appreciation of a job well done.
July 1, 2010
LDT's Second Annual Fundraiser Dinner
PLEASE SAVE THIS DATE: 4/9/2011 FOR OUR SECOND ANNUAL FUNDRAISER DINNER
In collaboration with
Victor Y. See Yuen and Friends in Support of the Arts
CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO ATTEND
IT'S
Annual Fund Raiser Dinner
To be held at
The Ailey Studios
The Joan Weill Center for Dance
Saturday April 9th, 2011 8:00pm until 12:00am
405 West 55th Street at 9th Avenue NYC
The program will include: Dinner, Entertainment, Honoree Awards, a Silent Auction & a Raffle Drawing with 1st prize of $150, 2nd $100 & 3rd $50.
call now for your Raffle Tickets, $1 each and a book of 6 for $5. For information and tickets call:
212 971-6054 or 866 249-2437,
Early Bird Special: Advance Tickets Only $65,
Prior to 12/31/2010 includes free book of raffles
($15 value).
$75 from Jan. 1st until March 1st 2011
There will be no ticket sales
at the door.
Business owners can advertise in our program. Anyone interested in placing an ad prior to March 1, 2011 deadline, should contact: CarlReid@Success4U2.net or 646-207-2299 or Sam Sherrod curaterra@aol.com 212 971-6054 for prices and details.
212 971-6054 Toll Free 866 249 2437 www.LiberataDT.org curaterra@aol.com
"RECLAIMING HISTORY, REINVIGORATING LIFE"
May 27, 2010
Annual Retrospective June 2009-June 2010
Liberata Dance Theatre’s Activities from June 2009-June 2010 Last board meeting/party held before members left for their summer break.
February 6, 2010: our hard work paid off and the event was successful.
We honored five people who were either active for decades in the field of performing arts and community service. They are the following;
Sam, Carrie & Lynne
(Photo by: C. Stossel 2/06/10)
Sam, Fred & Carrie
(Photo by: C. Stossel 2/06/10)
and Ingrid Charles, President of the Antillean /Aruban
Cultural Affairs Association, Inc. (AACAA).
(Photo by: C. Stossel 2/06/10)
Fred Johnson, Artistic Director of Intersections became an advisor for LDT and we plan to collaborate on some future collaborations.
On March 6, Myrena was invited to participate by Fred Johnson to participate in his program “Melodies as Conversations”. Three more artists participated and together with LDT dancer Coreen Robledo, Myrena recited and danced on her poem “LIBERATA”, a poem honoring her late mother Julieta Liberata Sint Jago, as it was International Women’s Month celebration.
On March 22, Caroline Edwards, teacher, performer and Luis Caballero, actor, director, professor became the latest two board members. Carol-lyn Simon, graduate student, is also interested in joining us a board member and will come on board during the next meeting.
On May 8, Myrena Sint Jago with Carrie See Yuen danced at a mother Day’s Luncheon in the Bronx. Victor See Yuen and Fred Johnson accompanied them with percussions.
LDT is working on a proposal with the Children Art Carnival to develop a program helping adolescents gain job skills through improving body movements, language: a year long program in 8 week sessions.
On May 22, Myrena, together with Coreen Robledo and Frank West (guest LDT), dancer of Myrena’s scholarship days at the School of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater will perform in the Celebrating Diversity event in the beautiful Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem. This was a whole day event with a wide range of multi-dicliplinary performers, speakers and award ceremonies.
On June 6, a computer training conducted by Carl Reid, one of LDT's Advisers took place at Board member Carrie See Yuen's home in The Bronx.
Annual summer trip to Curacao for Myrena and Sam where they collaborated with the sister company, Liberata Dance Theatre Curacao Connection Foundation (LDTCC). As customary, dance classes were taught by Myrena and Laura Quast, actress/director helped with the dramatization of KONSTRUKSHON II. The ages of the participants (about twenty) ranged from 7 to 67 who happened to be a granddaughter and grandmother.
Space for the classes and rehearsals was again donated by Kolegio Chaya Willems, a neighborhood elementary school. Also, we were fortunate again to have the theater, Sentro Kultural Korsou (Cultural Center Curacao) donated as long as we made a small contribution to the theater. An updated version of KONSTRUKSHON (with some of the region and the world’s current events) was presented. We named it KONSTRUKSHON II. In addition, a poem honoring the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson was presented, praising his contributions to the world. The performance was well attended and a positive article appeared in one of the local newspapers . Sam filmed the event.
Myrena also collaborated with ‘Skol Nobo’ (New School) and was asked to work with about fifteen young people, ages 8 to mid 20’s. This school does wonderful work by teaching young people to become dynamic future leaders. The theme of our presentation was TULA, one of the main leaders of the biggest slave rebellion in Curacao, August 17, 1795. Myrena prepared a 15 minutes presentation of dance, poetry, music and a work written inspired by the strong qualities Tula possessed. The performers delivered the work with conviction and dynamism. The event took place in Luna Blou, a theatre in downtown Otrabanda (part of the capital of Curacao).
One of preparatory high schools, ‘Kolegio Omega’, invited Myrena to teach dance for two days during their introduction week (of the new school year). She used as themes positive qualities to become a successful student and responsible citizen.
The Artistic Director of the Caribbean Dance Theater Sandra Leonora, discussed with Myrena a possible collaboration for summer 2010; a multi-disciplinary work appreciating and respecting the four nature elements in respect to the island of Curacao. We visited different possible sites we plan to use for filming the piece.All by all another busy summer for some LDT members collaborating with LDTCC and other groups in Curacao.
The Artistic Director of the Caribbean Dance Theater Sandra Leonora, discussed with Myrena a possible collaboration for summer 2010; a multi-disciplinary work appreciating and respecting the four nature elements in respect to the island of Curacao. We visited different possible sites we plan to use for filming the piece.All by all another busy summer for some LDT members collaborating with LDTCC and other groups in Curacao.
In October 2009, planning for LDT’s First Annual “LUCY” Award Ceremony and Fundraiser Event was discussed. We decided on the WHOLE NAME the Alvin Ailey Dance Studio at The Joan Weill Center for Dance for February 6, 2010. Separate meetings were held and committees formed between October and February 2010 to accomplish the multiple task to make our event a success. Yesima Sherrod joined LDT as an advisor and offered some great suggestions to help make the event more successful.
(Photo right by: C. Stossel 2/06/10)
depicts: Myrena Sint Jago, Yesima and her Sister Jivani Sherrod at the Fundraiser
Myrena started to rehearse the dances and poem “LUCY=ALL OF US”, she wrote; (Lucy as the remains of the first woman found in Africa and the connection of all to that continent as life started there) for the Fundraiser Event. at the end of December, 
our annual Holiday celebration was held on West 34 Street and the members enjoyed themselves with food, drinks and gifts.
In January 2010 a few members of LDT met with Fred Johnson, Artistic Director of Intersections and the Director of ART THREAD to discuss a possible collaboration with his company (ART THREAD). LDT dancers will interpret the art created by children with different challenges by improvising the interpretation; the possible collaboration sounded very promising and healing.
our annual Holiday celebration was held on West 34 Street and the members enjoyed themselves with food, drinks and gifts.
In January 2010 a few members of LDT met with Fred Johnson, Artistic Director of Intersections and the Director of ART THREAD to discuss a possible collaboration with his company (ART THREAD). LDT dancers will interpret the art created by children with different challenges by improvising the interpretation; the possible collaboration sounded very promising and healing.
February 6, 2010: our hard work paid off and the event was successful.
(Photos by: C. Stossel 2/06/10)
Catering by:Dee's Delights & Mistress of Ceremonies: Carrie See Yuen
Richard Gonzalez, dancer and Afro-Caribbean dance instructor,
(Photo by: C. Stossel 2/06/10)
(Photo by: C. Stossel 2/06/10)
Luis Caballero, writer, actor, director and professor;
Luis, center with Sam Sherrod & Carrie See Yuen
(Photo by: C. Stossel 2/06/10)
(Photo by: C. Stossel 2/06/10)
Lynne Hayden-Findlay, opera singer, co-founder Chelsea Opera and teacher;
Sam, Carrie & Lynne
(Photo by: C. Stossel 2/06/10)
Fred Johnson, instructor, ……….. and Artistic Director Intersections,
Sam, Fred & Carrie
(Photo by: C. Stossel 2/06/10)
and Ingrid Charles, President of the Antillean /Aruban
Cultural Affairs Association, Inc. (AACAA).
(Photo by: C. Stossel 2/06/10)
Ingrid accepted the award for the AACAA that does wonderful programs for the youth and adults in the community, including annual scholarship luncheons, family days, Black History Month Celebrations . There was great food provided by Dee’s Delight. Entertainment was provided by LDT’s performers, dancers, Chelsea McLaughlin, Coreen Robledo, Lily Burd, actress Dianne Dixon; pianist Andy Monroe and Kevin Garcia, percussionists, Ron McBee and Dillan Greene, singer Autumn Greene and Myrena.
On March 6, Myrena was invited to participate by Fred Johnson to participate in his program “Melodies as Conversations”. Three more artists participated and together with LDT dancer Coreen Robledo, Myrena recited and danced on her poem “LIBERATA”, a poem honoring her late mother Julieta Liberata Sint Jago, as it was International Women’s Month celebration.
On March 22, Caroline Edwards, teacher, performer and Luis Caballero, actor, director, professor became the latest two board members. Carol-lyn Simon, graduate student, is also interested in joining us a board member and will come on board during the next meeting.
On May 8, Myrena Sint Jago with Carrie See Yuen danced at a mother Day’s Luncheon in the Bronx. Victor See Yuen and Fred Johnson accompanied them with percussions.
LDT is working on a proposal with the Children Art Carnival to develop a program helping adolescents gain job skills through improving body movements, language: a year long program in 8 week sessions.
On May 22, Myrena, together with Coreen Robledo and Frank West (guest LDT), dancer of Myrena’s scholarship days at the School of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater will perform in the Celebrating Diversity event in the beautiful Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem. This was a whole day event with a wide range of multi-dicliplinary performers, speakers and award ceremonies.
On June 6, a computer training conducted by Carl Reid, one of LDT's Advisers took place at Board member Carrie See Yuen's home in The Bronx.
On June 10, Myrena was invited to participate in the Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration at City Hall. She read parts of different sections of her work. She celebrated the beauty of her island of upbringing Curacao, the different role models, and a poem “To Haiti” 
June 21 LDT’s mid-year party was held before everyone leaves for summer. It was held at Hanna Favelukes’ apartment. WE HAD GREAT FUN with food, snack and laughter.
On June 27, as part of another Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration, Myrena performed with three dancers from the Antillean Dance Company. We did two dances (music of Ced Ride and Doble RR) and the poem “To Haiti”. The choreography and poetry by Myrena. The event was held at the Tropical Paradise Ballroom in Brooklyn. It was a fundraiser dinner for Yvette D. Clarke, Congress woman and awards were given to the doctors who were the first responders to the crisis in Haiti, Different politicians attended the event including US senator Kirsten Gillibrand. The doctors were called “Heroes For Haiti “
June 13, 2009
LDT January thru June 2009
In February we had our first Board meeting of the year 2009. In this meeting we discussed and planned for some projects for this year; having a fundraising event either at the end of 2009 or spring 2010 was discussed. Below is a photo of board member Yveline Mcintosh displaying her service award at the meeting. 
LDT has been active with different projects and collaborations since the beginning of 2009. Together with one of our advisors, Mabel Chee, we completed a proposal in March for the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) for the 2009-2010 season. We hope to receive some funding to present our upcoming dance/theatre project "CONSTRUCTION", related to all we are going through on a personal, environmental, social, national and global level. (photo below of Construction as a work in progress in Curacao Summer of 2008)
Although LDT was not able to attend the Antillean Aruban Cultural Affairs Association (AACAA) Black History Month Celebration during February, Ms. Sint Jago sent a donation to support their event.
On March 18, LDT presented "HONRA NAN" ((HONOR THEM), celebrating women around the world. Ms. Sint Jago, President and Artistic Director's concerns with women's issues inspire her to express her thoughts and feelings. As March is often considered Women's History Month, she sees it as her duty to research and help bring forward what millions of women all around the world, young and old have to endure daily: the discrimination, abuse and lack of advancement opportunities just because having been born a female. (Above photo by Cornell Stossel depicts cast of HONRA NAN)
As it is a trademark of LDT, the performance was a combination of different disciplines, including dance, spoken word, poetry, live music and song. Photos left and right by Cornell Stossel. As HISTORY was made this year with Barack Obama becoming the first African American president in the US, Ms. Sint Jago wanted to pay tribute to him and honored him with a poem. The poem was part of LDT's HONRA NAN performance, with the company also dancing on the song "At Last" also a tribute, now to the FIRST COUPLE. The intention is to send the poem to Mr. Obama, as suggested by many.
After the show there was a short Q&A session, refreshments, snack and the "Not For The Faint At Heart Brownies" , from our loyal supporter and friend Danielle Depasquale.
Comments: "Het was enig. Ik heb heel erg genoten", meaning "It was wonderful. I enjoyed it very much". "LDT is doing great and informative work. I would like to serve on the Board", Dr. Hanne Favelukes.
In March also, LDT's President and Treasurer, Ms. Sint Jago and Mr. Sherrod visited a campaign to promote tourism on the island of Curacao. This event was held at the Essex House in Manhattan. It was in a very well organized, intimate, neatly decorated space with Curacaoan themes. It was also well attended by many involved in tourism and the travel business, like photographers, promoters, agencies, writers, including the Commissioner of Tourism of Curacao, Mr. Ruggenaarth.
The cocktail party was excellent and a musical trio complimented the Caribbean atmosphere. We were able to speak to different potential supporters and with Mr. Andre Rojer, sales and marketing director who promised (and indeed kept his word) to send us items we could use as giveaways at our shows that represent Curacao.
Ms. Sint Jago was interviewed by Channel 80, a Curacaoan television station, and she took the opportunity to promote LDT and its sister company Liberata Dance Theatre Curacao Connection, (LDTCC) and thanked all its national and international Board members, advisors, supporters, volunteers and friends. She also talked about LDT's upcoming shows of 2009.
LDT was selected for the second year on a row to participate in the Immigrant Heritage Week Celebration, April 17 to 24, 2009 and held its performance again at the Pearl Studio on 35 Street and 8th Avenue.
(Photo below by Cornell Stossel)
On April 18, LDT presented "CURAZAO= CURACAO", from the HEART of CURACAO to the HEART of NEW YORK CITY with LOVE. It was done in collaboration with the Antillean Aruban Cultural Affairs Association (AACAA). It was a simulated live television morning show, CARIBBEAN BEAT, where the two hosts (two actors) presented "their" research on the island of Curacao, in terms of history, heritage, culture.
Ms. Sint Jago was the featured guest on their show and helped clarify different issues the hosts presented and together with another dancer performed some folkloric and other dances. (See photos below taken by Cornell Stossel)
There was a lot of audience participation and they appeared to enjoy the fun filled educational/entertaining evening. Their feedback on the survey forms were very positive, complimentary and encouraging (see some of the comments below). The evening ended with a presentation about the cuisine of Curacao, presented by one of the AACAA board members Eliane Emmanuel and a Q&A session followed.(See photo by Cornell Stossel)
Some finger licking food and refreshments was prepared and provided by the President of AACAA, Juanita Joseph and board members Thelma Kingsale and Eliane Emmanuel. Danielle Depasquale 's Not For The Faint Of Heart Brownies was again one of the highlight snacks of the evening.
The audience mingled, enjoyed great company, food, drinks with great background Curacaoan rhythms. Five performers participated in this project.
Comments of some audience participants of CURAZAO: "wonderful, the dancing was excellent, the hosts (actors) were great. " beautiful performance, support is a must", Elma Denham. "I loved this show". "This was beautiful, warm, informative". "It was so great to see how you were able to gather the community together, different age groups, races to enjoy such a wonderful show. THANK YOU SO MUCH", Roberta Schine. "It was a very nice show and reminded us of our island Martinique", Flore Eugene and Liliane Theodose (loyal supporters who attended most of LDT's performances). Photo below from left to right is of Liliane, Flore and Yveline McIntosh, LDT Board Member.
On April 26, Ms. Sint Jago represented LDT at the Scholastic Achievement and Scholarship Award Luncheon of the AACAA at the Real Madrid restaurant in Staten Island (New York). Ms. Sint Jago and Mr. Sherrod donated to this well attended, very important and noteworthy event. This event was dedicated to the hard working, high achieving Antillean and Aruban youth.
It was touching and emotional to observe the gleaming eyes and faces of both the youngsters, caretakers and relatives when they came forward to accept their award. I believe that this is a wonderful annual event and a great opportunity to reward youngsters who deserve it. It is also refreshing to see and hear positive thingsof young people instead of the often negative ones portrayed in the media.
A BIG KUDO to AACAA for their great contributions to the Antillean/Aruban community and to the ones whose love, guidance, encouragement, patience and sacrifice have led to the success of the youngsters. MASHA PABIEN (CONGRATULATIONS) youngsters, parents, caretakers, relatives!
On May 8, Ms. Sint Jago was invited by AACAA, together with the Ambassador of Cabo Verdi, Mr. Antonio Pedro Monteiro Lima, to participate in their final six week Papiamentu class (pictured above, a course they offer annually). The evening was very educational, laid back and fun filled. The instructor and AACAA Board member Eliane Emmanuel (in photo below with Ambassador Lima) wanted Ms. Sint Jago to share her reasons for wanting to research the origin and history of Papiamentu, one of the only non-European languages spoken in the Caribbean; plus reasons studying research done by others before her. 
This Ms. Sint Jago culminated into PAPIAMENTU, a dance/drama of pain, struggle, triumph and survival, presented in LDT’s Immigrant Heritage Week Celebration in April 2008; an award was given by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Fund (part of Dept. of Cultural Affairs) to present PAPIAMENTU in LDT’s fall season.
The objective of the evening was to compare the Cape Verdian native language to Papiamentu. The participants of the Papiamentu class were very excited to hear close similarities between both languages but not surprising for the ones who researched the origin and history of Papiamentu; knowing that Cape Verdi is one of the places from which shores part of our African ancestors were dragged from.
Mr. Monteiro Lima was very engaging, entertaining and approachable. He shared and taught us a lot about the history and development of Cape Verdi.
Ms. Sint Jago shared her vision of a reverse Triangle Trade with the loud approval of everyone. She also read a poem in Papiamentu with the participants including Mr. Monteiro Lima trying to figure out the meaning of the words. It was amazing and wonderful to hear that almost everyone was able to understand mostly everything.
Everybody was participating excitedly and an uplifting feeling appeared to radiate from our hearts, connecting us to one another, with "long lost relatives from the Mother land Africa" and plans were made for us all to visit Cape Verdi and the Caribbean islands, to work together, to interchange ideas that can benefit our cultures.
The evening as usual ended with great food, refreshments, taking group shots and socializing with background Curacaoan music.
LDT's Treasurer and Secretary met the Director, Ms. Lynne Hayden-Findley, Co-founder of Chelsea Opera, located in Manhattan and she seemed interested in some future collaboration. She already supported us by attending our last show in April. LDT looks forward to some new possibilities.
We held our 25th Board meeting on May 12, at 440 West 34 Street, hosted by Myrena and Sam. Our newest member, Dr. Hanne Favelukes was voted in. She already showed her commitment by giving LDT a monetary donation and brought some very interesting information on the Open Society Institute (OSI); an organization LDT can try to receive some funding from. Dr. Favelukes believes that some of the works we present appear to match the field of interest of the OSI. (Photo below depicts Dr. Hanne Favelukes and Myrena Sint Jago after the performance "HONRA NAN).
Myrena was invited once more by the AACAA, now by the Vice President Ingrid Charles, to participate with her group the Antillean Dancers at the Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebration. This was held on Tuesday June 9, in the auditorium of City Hall in New York City. She choreographed a combination of the SEU (harvest celebration) and the TAMBU for three dancers and herself and part of a solo ORA DUSHI (Sweet Dushi).
We got some nice compliments and feedback. The evening was a beautiful blend of poetry, music, dance and songs presented by different performers of the various Caribbean islands. Different council men, media people were part of the invited audience. Sam and Myrena had a great time talking and networking while eating some wonderful Caribbean food. We met Donna Lamb of Caribbean Life ( a community newspaper), who covered the event and featured LDT in an article that will be published on June 17.
> First up were the very appealing Antillean Dancers (Aruba), joined by > the effervescent Myrena Sint Jago from Liberata Dance Theatre (Curacao > and Bonaire) who captivated the audience with her radiant smile and > vivacious persona. They performed a harvest celebration and a satirical > piece. (See photos below taken by Donna Lamb of Caribbean Life.
Myrena is very grateful to the Integral Yoga Institute in New York City for providing LDT with rehearsal space for our performances.
Ms. Sint Jago is in the process of writing a proposal for Curacao, with suggestions offered by some of the Board members of the Liberata Dance Theatre Curacao Connection (LDTCC). Hopefully we get the chance to perform and conduct some workshops in Curacao and other islands in the Caribbean. She is also writing one proposal for Holland as suggested by one of our Dutch advisors, Rosalie van Woerkom. Rosalie gave some wonderful suggestions.
Ms. Sint Jago is also in the process of planning for her annual summer trip to Curacao (and perhaps Bonaire) where she will be teaching, writing and choreographing for LDTCC. Throughout the year LDT has stayed in close contact with LDTCC that is keeping us informed with their progress and development.
LDT has been active with different projects and collaborations since the beginning of 2009. Together with one of our advisors, Mabel Chee, we completed a proposal in March for the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) for the 2009-2010 season. We hope to receive some funding to present our upcoming dance/theatre project "CONSTRUCTION", related to all we are going through on a personal, environmental, social, national and global level. (photo below of Construction as a work in progress in Curacao Summer of 2008)
Although LDT was not able to attend the Antillean Aruban Cultural Affairs Association (AACAA) Black History Month Celebration during February, Ms. Sint Jago sent a donation to support their event.
On March 18, LDT presented "HONRA NAN" ((HONOR THEM), celebrating women around the world. Ms. Sint Jago, President and Artistic Director's concerns with women's issues inspire her to express her thoughts and feelings. As March is often considered Women's History Month, she sees it as her duty to research and help bring forward what millions of women all around the world, young and old have to endure daily: the discrimination, abuse and lack of advancement opportunities just because having been born a female. (Above photo by Cornell Stossel depicts cast of HONRA NAN)
As it is a trademark of LDT, the performance was a combination of different disciplines, including dance, spoken word, poetry, live music and song. Photos left and right by Cornell Stossel. As HISTORY was made this year with Barack Obama becoming the first African American president in the US, Ms. Sint Jago wanted to pay tribute to him and honored him with a poem. The poem was part of LDT's HONRA NAN performance, with the company also dancing on the song "At Last" also a tribute, now to the FIRST COUPLE. The intention is to send the poem to Mr. Obama, as suggested by many.
After the show there was a short Q&A session, refreshments, snack and the "Not For The Faint At Heart Brownies" , from our loyal supporter and friend Danielle Depasquale.
Comments: "Het was enig. Ik heb heel erg genoten", meaning "It was wonderful. I enjoyed it very much". "LDT is doing great and informative work. I would like to serve on the Board", Dr. Hanne Favelukes.
In March also, LDT's President and Treasurer, Ms. Sint Jago and Mr. Sherrod visited a campaign to promote tourism on the island of Curacao. This event was held at the Essex House in Manhattan. It was in a very well organized, intimate, neatly decorated space with Curacaoan themes. It was also well attended by many involved in tourism and the travel business, like photographers, promoters, agencies, writers, including the Commissioner of Tourism of Curacao, Mr. Ruggenaarth.
The cocktail party was excellent and a musical trio complimented the Caribbean atmosphere. We were able to speak to different potential supporters and with Mr. Andre Rojer, sales and marketing director who promised (and indeed kept his word) to send us items we could use as giveaways at our shows that represent Curacao.
Ms. Sint Jago was interviewed by Channel 80, a Curacaoan television station, and she took the opportunity to promote LDT and its sister company Liberata Dance Theatre Curacao Connection, (LDTCC) and thanked all its national and international Board members, advisors, supporters, volunteers and friends. She also talked about LDT's upcoming shows of 2009.
LDT was selected for the second year on a row to participate in the Immigrant Heritage Week Celebration, April 17 to 24, 2009 and held its performance again at the Pearl Studio on 35 Street and 8th Avenue.
(Photo below by Cornell Stossel)
On April 18, LDT presented "CURAZAO= CURACAO", from the HEART of CURACAO to the HEART of NEW YORK CITY with LOVE. It was done in collaboration with the Antillean Aruban Cultural Affairs Association (AACAA). It was a simulated live television morning show, CARIBBEAN BEAT, where the two hosts (two actors) presented "their" research on the island of Curacao, in terms of history, heritage, culture.
Ms. Sint Jago was the featured guest on their show and helped clarify different issues the hosts presented and together with another dancer performed some folkloric and other dances. (See photos below taken by Cornell Stossel)
There was a lot of audience participation and they appeared to enjoy the fun filled educational/entertaining evening. Their feedback on the survey forms were very positive, complimentary and encouraging (see some of the comments below). The evening ended with a presentation about the cuisine of Curacao, presented by one of the AACAA board members Eliane Emmanuel and a Q&A session followed.(See photo by Cornell Stossel)
Some finger licking food and refreshments was prepared and provided by the President of AACAA, Juanita Joseph and board members Thelma Kingsale and Eliane Emmanuel. Danielle Depasquale 's Not For The Faint Of Heart Brownies was again one of the highlight snacks of the evening.
The audience mingled, enjoyed great company, food, drinks with great background Curacaoan rhythms. Five performers participated in this project.
Comments of some audience participants of CURAZAO: "wonderful, the dancing was excellent, the hosts (actors) were great. " beautiful performance, support is a must", Elma Denham. "I loved this show". "This was beautiful, warm, informative". "It was so great to see how you were able to gather the community together, different age groups, races to enjoy such a wonderful show. THANK YOU SO MUCH", Roberta Schine. "It was a very nice show and reminded us of our island Martinique", Flore Eugene and Liliane Theodose (loyal supporters who attended most of LDT's performances). Photo below from left to right is of Liliane, Flore and Yveline McIntosh, LDT Board Member.
On April 26, Ms. Sint Jago represented LDT at the Scholastic Achievement and Scholarship Award Luncheon of the AACAA at the Real Madrid restaurant in Staten Island (New York). Ms. Sint Jago and Mr. Sherrod donated to this well attended, very important and noteworthy event. This event was dedicated to the hard working, high achieving Antillean and Aruban youth.
It was touching and emotional to observe the gleaming eyes and faces of both the youngsters, caretakers and relatives when they came forward to accept their award. I believe that this is a wonderful annual event and a great opportunity to reward youngsters who deserve it. It is also refreshing to see and hear positive thingsof young people instead of the often negative ones portrayed in the media.
A BIG KUDO to AACAA for their great contributions to the Antillean/Aruban community and to the ones whose love, guidance, encouragement, patience and sacrifice have led to the success of the youngsters. MASHA PABIEN (CONGRATULATIONS) youngsters, parents, caretakers, relatives!
On May 8, Ms. Sint Jago was invited by AACAA, together with the Ambassador of Cabo Verdi, Mr. Antonio Pedro Monteiro Lima, to participate in their final six week Papiamentu class (pictured above, a course they offer annually). The evening was very educational, laid back and fun filled. The instructor and AACAA Board member Eliane Emmanuel (in photo below with Ambassador Lima) wanted Ms. Sint Jago to share her reasons for wanting to research the origin and history of Papiamentu, one of the only non-European languages spoken in the Caribbean; plus reasons studying research done by others before her. 
This Ms. Sint Jago culminated into PAPIAMENTU, a dance/drama of pain, struggle, triumph and survival, presented in LDT’s Immigrant Heritage Week Celebration in April 2008; an award was given by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Fund (part of Dept. of Cultural Affairs) to present PAPIAMENTU in LDT’s fall season.
The objective of the evening was to compare the Cape Verdian native language to Papiamentu. The participants of the Papiamentu class were very excited to hear close similarities between both languages but not surprising for the ones who researched the origin and history of Papiamentu; knowing that Cape Verdi is one of the places from which shores part of our African ancestors were dragged from.
Mr. Monteiro Lima was very engaging, entertaining and approachable. He shared and taught us a lot about the history and development of Cape Verdi.
Ms. Sint Jago shared her vision of a reverse Triangle Trade with the loud approval of everyone. She also read a poem in Papiamentu with the participants including Mr. Monteiro Lima trying to figure out the meaning of the words. It was amazing and wonderful to hear that almost everyone was able to understand mostly everything.
Everybody was participating excitedly and an uplifting feeling appeared to radiate from our hearts, connecting us to one another, with "long lost relatives from the Mother land Africa" and plans were made for us all to visit Cape Verdi and the Caribbean islands, to work together, to interchange ideas that can benefit our cultures.
The evening as usual ended with great food, refreshments, taking group shots and socializing with background Curacaoan music.
LDT's Treasurer and Secretary met the Director, Ms. Lynne Hayden-Findley, Co-founder of Chelsea Opera, located in Manhattan and she seemed interested in some future collaboration. She already supported us by attending our last show in April. LDT looks forward to some new possibilities.
We held our 25th Board meeting on May 12, at 440 West 34 Street, hosted by Myrena and Sam. Our newest member, Dr. Hanne Favelukes was voted in. She already showed her commitment by giving LDT a monetary donation and brought some very interesting information on the Open Society Institute (OSI); an organization LDT can try to receive some funding from. Dr. Favelukes believes that some of the works we present appear to match the field of interest of the OSI. (Photo below depicts Dr. Hanne Favelukes and Myrena Sint Jago after the performance "HONRA NAN).
Myrena was invited once more by the AACAA, now by the Vice President Ingrid Charles, to participate with her group the Antillean Dancers at the Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebration. This was held on Tuesday June 9, in the auditorium of City Hall in New York City. She choreographed a combination of the SEU (harvest celebration) and the TAMBU for three dancers and herself and part of a solo ORA DUSHI (Sweet Dushi).
We got some nice compliments and feedback. The evening was a beautiful blend of poetry, music, dance and songs presented by different performers of the various Caribbean islands. Different council men, media people were part of the invited audience. Sam and Myrena had a great time talking and networking while eating some wonderful Caribbean food. We met Donna Lamb of Caribbean Life ( a community newspaper), who covered the event and featured LDT in an article that will be published on June 17.
> First up were the very appealing Antillean Dancers (Aruba), joined by > the effervescent Myrena Sint Jago from Liberata Dance Theatre (Curacao > and Bonaire) who captivated the audience with her radiant smile and > vivacious persona. They performed a harvest celebration and a satirical > piece. (See photos below taken by Donna Lamb of Caribbean Life.
Myrena is very grateful to the Integral Yoga Institute in New York City for providing LDT with rehearsal space for our performances.
Ms. Sint Jago is in the process of writing a proposal for Curacao, with suggestions offered by some of the Board members of the Liberata Dance Theatre Curacao Connection (LDTCC). Hopefully we get the chance to perform and conduct some workshops in Curacao and other islands in the Caribbean. She is also writing one proposal for Holland as suggested by one of our Dutch advisors, Rosalie van Woerkom. Rosalie gave some wonderful suggestions.
Ms. Sint Jago is also in the process of planning for her annual summer trip to Curacao (and perhaps Bonaire) where she will be teaching, writing and choreographing for LDTCC. Throughout the year LDT has stayed in close contact with LDTCC that is keeping us informed with their progress and development.
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