Giovanni Hidalgo visits Danzactiva's DanzaÉ group at Ballajá

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DanzaÉ opened The Puerto Rico Institute of Culture's Puerto Rican Music Festival, where we were surprised by a visit from the one of the world's top musicians: Giovanni Hidalgo. Left: Giovanni with the group at our home base at the Cuartel de Ballajá, Old San Juan by the El Morro Castle.

The activity, that took place on November 15, 2008, was dedicated to this internationally recognized Puerto Rican percussionist. After the visit, Giovanni offered to play with our percussionists, David Marrero y Joey González, during our entire performance.

Below our musical director, Carlos Bedoya begins the DanzaÉ entrance to sound of Plena music just as they have done in previous years in New York and Spain. To the right:. Paulette Beauchamp director of DanzActiva leads the group.

Surprised by the show of rhythm, charisma and ability demonstrated by the dancers, and the emotional audience reaction, Giovanni commented to David: "This is a cleansing.. It goes out and beyond". left. Reinaldo García; above to the right: Karen Paulino.

Puerto Rican Bomba dance offers each dancer an opportunity for very individual expression. Drummers follow the improvised movements of the dancers that create spontaneous rhythmic compositions. Above Giovanni plays the barril de Bomba ( Bomba Drum) called primo or subidor as he follows José Omar Otero's movements. Left:. Luis Francisco Rivera.

DanzaÉ is the first group with disabilities to be ascribed to the Puerto Rico Institute of Cultures (since 2007) roster of artists that include some of Puerto Rico's foremost exponents of Puerto Rican music and dance; one of many achievements of this ground breaking group that currently celebrates it's tenth anniversary. Above: the group receives the audience applause during a final pose.