Performance Events
This performance is excerpted from a full program by Oba Ilú at the Yoruba Cultural Association of Cuba on August 13, 2009. Isnavi dances third in the line up. The director of the group, Gregorio Hernández, introduces the singer Amauris Fernández. He sings a first verse that mixes the conventions of columbia with fragments of religious songs celebrating the Orisha Oyá. During the call and response he also uses songs for Oyá. Miguel dances first. Then Wili, who usually dances with the CFNC, performs. Isnavi appears to inturrupt requesting a turn. It is unusual for women to perform columbia, although all professionally trained dancers learn it. Usually, in Havana, only men perform columbia on stage. Intrestingly, Isnavi was not professionally trained, in the sense of graduating from the National Art Schools. She was, in fact, one of the first among a new generation of performers who made a semi-independent professional career as a dancer. This is important because her personal style differs from the professionally, that is conservatory-trained dancers. This fact alone raised eyebrows at first when she began dancing. Furthermore, some people think it is inappropriate for a woman to dance what is considered soemthing only for men. Isnavi eventually succeeded in establishing herself as a professional rumba dancer and gained acceptance in the world of folkloric performance of Havana. The entire performance is actually tightly coordinated musically and lyrically with her appearance. The lyrics celbrate the Orisha Oyá, the only female warrior. The singer refers to Oyá as a (female) warrior among (male) warriors, using references to Oyá to note the presence of a woman dancing among the men.
Text about Miguel's salsa cubana
Text about GH & Trillo Park abakuá