Vocal El by wysiwig
Open full image in new tab Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
Description
Our trip to Cuba was officially labeled a People-to-People tour. This included a number of cultural events. The people of Cuba are a wonderfully musical people and we were treated to music and singers at almost every meal. We also had an opportunity to see groups of artists such as Vocal El, students from the university school of music. You can see and hear them at the following link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiMIOBCXSJI
Comments (8)
Faemike55
Wonderful group & great picture!
thanks for the kink
durleybeachbum
This looks really exciting! I will explore that link.
kgb224
Superb captures and collage my friend. God bless.
Cyve
What a fantastic captures my friend... Very great scenes also... I love it a lot !!!
netot
Cubans are really cheerful people.
anahata.c
Man, this is a wonderful upload. I've never been to Cuba, but I've known some dancers from Cuba, and absolutely, they are such an intensely musical culture. Your shots capture their moves, their concentration, and their joy. And communal feeling. You got the presence of the dancers and of the ensemble, and how they all participate. We get to see some of the dancers in several positions, and some singing and playing; and how even the dancers will join in the playing with percussion instruments in their hands. And the top shot is a perfect entry into the collection, because they're lined up; and, but for one person, all forming an "oooo" with their mouths; and it's totally musical. Did you ever see Buena Vista Social Club? The documentary on a famous Cuban musical group? (I don't remember the name of the group, sorry!) If you haven't seen it, the film revealed that these musicians had been playing for years, and had studied for years too. They're dyed in the wool. We get that sense from your pictures: They ooze their art, and joy. They're totally committed.
I saw the video too, and really liked it. (What were they dancing in, a courtroom, lol??? It was just so strange a location for a dance performance!) And it lets us hear what you're conveying in your photos. The music has lots of African roots, ie with chants going back and forth, and lots of "call and response". (I'm always hesitant to explain such references, because you've been so many places and you absorb so much...but if you don't know what 'call and response' is, it's where one group sings, and another group "answers", and it can go on for many choruses. It's in the video, in the first section.) And the dancers know dance. Ok, I'm gonna give you a link if you want to see it---for the dancers. If you haven't seen it. It's Conan (O'Brien) in Cuba, visiting a dance school. He does his usual hijinks (and he's funny), but watch it for the dancers: I showed this to a dancer friend, and she said, "those are no students, Mark: Those dancers are dancers. They know how to freakin' dance." Uhhh-yeah! I'd say so. I couldn't move like that if you paid me! The point is, when you see artists who really know and adore their art, it just oozes out of their pores. The Vocal Elé is one of those groups. As a compliment to you, I'd have known that without ever seeing their video. If you want it, the Conan link is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bWh2JYm2uA
One last thing. Thank you so much for your story in my gallery. I don't know if you've posted that story (about you helping save the life of a dear friend), but if you haven't, it's worthy of an upload. You may not want to because of privacy; but if that isn't an issue, it's a powerful story, and you express yourself beautifully each time you write. It's very sad, and you did a great thing. I can fully understand his defensive response in the end, but I'm sorry for you, since you helped him in a great way. But you took it with grace, if also sadness. Thank you for that. It was a very moving story.
blondeblurr
It's so easy to follow, if you are inclined to dance and let go of inhibitions... I for one, have always enjoyed this style of movement, having been a former fitness instructor (many moons ago). I love the general ease of music and dance, very hypnotic and relaxing.
auntietk
A terrific series of shots! I can hear and see the movement even in still images. Wonderful! Now I'll have to go check out the video. :)