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Plena at the Brooklyn Puerto Rican Day Parade
In June of 2009, Raíces Cultural Center Ensemble members were invited to participate in the Brooklyn Puerto Rican Day Parade, drumming, singing and dancing plena. Plena is a musical tradition that evolved on the island of Puerto Rico. Plena is…
Dancing for Haiti
After the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the Raíces Cultural Center Ensemble was asked to perform at a benefit event sponsored by local Rutgers University students. Raíces Ensemble members and Raíces student performers created a presentation for…
Bembé for Haiti
Raíces student performer Aja Washington dancing Yemayá, the orisha, or force of nature, of the ocean. In Nigeria, the orisha Yemayá was originally a river, but in the evolution on the island of Cuba, during and after the trans-Atlantic slave trade,…
Raíces Rehearsal
Raíces Co-Directors Francisco G. Gómez and Nicole Wines in a Raíces Ensemble rehearsal. Francisco is also the Musical Director of Raíces. Pictured here in the spring of 2010 surrounded by cultural objects and instruments.
Raíces Rehearsal
Raíces students often rehearse and perform with the core of the Raíces Ensemble. Practicing voices for a full chorus in the Spring of 2010.
Bomba in the Park
At the Spring Jam community art event, Raíces Cultural Center organized a day of workshops and music performances, as well as collaborations with local family arts organizations. A local Girl Scout troop participated in the festival, attending all…
Raícitas Vejigantes Rehearsal
Raícitas Youth Program participants who registered for full program cycles had the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the Raíces Cultural Center Ensemble at community events and presentations, as well as student performances during Raíces…
Los Vejigantes de Puerto Rico Residency: Paul Robeson School Assembly
As part of the 2009 Los Vejigantes de Puerto Rico arts residency program, the Raíces Cultural Center Ensemble performed their vejigantes presentation at Paul Robeson Community Theme School for the Arts in New Brunswick, NJ. Students learned about…
Los Vejigantes de Puerto Rico Residency: Dancing Plena
Students learning plena dance steps with los vejigantes de Puerto Rico during an interactive performance and presentation at Paul Robeson Community Theme School for the Arts.
Los Vejigantes de Puerto Rico Residency: Dancing with los Vejigantes
Los Vejigantes de Puerto Rico Residency: Dancing with los Vejigantes
Los Vejigantes de Puerto Rico Residency: Dancing Plena at Paul Robeson School
Raíces Cultural Center Ensemble performed bomba and plena and presented about the tradition of Los Vejigantes de Puerto Rico, an Afropuertorican folkloric tradition. After the interactive performance, participants had the opportunity to dance and…
Song for the Dead
The Raíces Folkloric Ensemble plays "Aumbao Wa Ori", a song honoring and praising the ancestors.
Honoring the Ancestors
"Tale of Two Waters" is a multimedia and musical presentation tying together the tradition of the Orishas, or forces of nature with the protection of the environment and the earth's ecosystems. During the introductory song honoring the ancestors, a…
Aumbao Wa Ori
Nicole Wines dances for the dead accompanied by the Raíces Folkloric Ensemble playing Aumbao Wa Ori.
For the Ancestors
The Raíces Folkloric Ensemble plays "Aumbao Wa Ori", a song honoring and praising the ancestors and dances for the dead.
Muertos
Muertos, directly translated to "the dead", or ancestors, play a large role in Cuban spiritual traditions. The ancestors are always honored before any ceremony or celebration for the Orishas begin.
In Honor of the Ancestors
Raíces Folkloric Ensemble members Nicole Wines and Edward LaPorté performing a song and dance in honor of the ancestors.
Storytelling
As part of the "Tale of Two Waters" production, Raíces Folkloric Ensemble and Raíces Cultural Center Director Francisco G. Gómez explains the historical and cultural background of the traditions being presented and shares stories that help them come…
Eleguá
Eleguá is the keeper of the crossroads, the messenger between the Orishas and Olofín, the trickster. He is often represented by a child and he is the first Orisha praised and honored in the pantheon, after the ancestors.
Ago Ile Ago
Eleguá dance and song, presented by the Raíces Folkloric Ensemble.
The Keeper of the Crossroads
A representation of Eleguá, the keeper of the crossroads, by the Raíces Folkloric Ensemble.
Playing for Eleguá
The Raíces Folkloric Ensemble performing a rhythm and song for Eleguá
Eleguá Dance
Nicole Wines performs a representation of Eleguá at the Elizabeth Public Library with the Raíces Folkloric Ensemble.
Raíces Folkloric Ensemble - Eleguá
The Raíces Folkloric Ensemble performing Eleguá during their presentation of "Tale of Two Waters" at the Elizabeth Public Library.
Historical Perspective
Raíces Director and co-founder Francisco G. Gómez gives a historical perspective on the Orishas and Cuban music, between songs in the Raíces Folkloric Ensemble presentation of "Tale of Two Waters".