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The three dancers at the rehearsal

PHOTOS: Afrocaribbean Movements with Dominican Republic Dancers

As part of a cultural exchange, three professional dancers, members of the National Dance Company from Dominican Republic, came to Ƶapp to teach workshops and perform at the ¡Dz! concert.

The in the College of Performing and Visual Arts welcomed three contemporary dancers from Dominican Republic as part of a cultural exchange with the main cultural institution in the country, (General Secretary of Fine Arts), and the College.

This visit was part of a bigger intercultural exchange that started last summer when students and faculty Ƶapp's Jazz Program traveled to the Caribbean island to give and receive musical instruction and to perform at the 50th anniversary of the National Theatre in Santo Domingo. 


RELATED: Musical Trip to Dominican Republic


Mildred Rubirosa, Jonas Padilla and Wileydy Contrera, who are all part of the , taught contemporary and folkloric dance during their visit. They closed their visit with an astonishing performance at the concert on Friday, Sept. 13. The show was organized by Dominican musician and faculty member Sócrates García, director of the at Ƶapp.


Check out these photos of the dancers during a rehearsal for the concert:

Jonas in the center Mildred to the left and Wyleydy to the rightMildred Rubirosa (left), Jonas Padilla (center) and Wileydy Contrera (right) practicing with the Jazz ensamble. 

The three dancers smiling at the cameraIn an interview, Rubirosa (right) shared that she felt like Ƶapp students were very receptive and welcoming, making her feel at home. 

Socrates Garcia conduction at National Theatre in Santo DomingoDirector of Music Technology Socrates Garcia presented his original work and conducted the concert. Garcia is also from Dominican Republic. 

Brass winds at the jazz ensambleGarcía's work is a fusion of contemporary jazz with traditional afrocaribbean beats. Here, the brass winds of the jazz ensamble during the rehearsal. 

Jonas dancing with a chair"We are a very complex culture that mixes the African, the Indigenous and the Spanish influences," shared Rubirosa. 

audience at the Dominican Republic National TheatreContrera (photo) shared how the afrocaribbean rhythms are usually very joyful, so the students were very excited to learn about them

Dancers practicingContrera also mentioned the importance of Palos a traditional dance with deep religious meaning.    

Mildred RubirosaThe performance was received with a lot of interest and excitement from the audience.

PercusionistThe tambor mayor (main or big drum) is a fundamental instrument in Afrocaribbean music. According to Rubirosa, it is a direct influence from África. In the picture, percussionist Pablito "Drums" Peña. 

Concert rehearsal with dancersDuring the rehearsal, some of the movements had to be adjusted, because the musical piece included some improvisation, due to it's jazz influence. 

Winds brassThe brass section of the jazz ensamble includes different kinds of saxophones, trombones, and trumpets.

Dancers at the rehearsalThe visit of the Dominican dancers enriched the knowledge of our students and faculty. 

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