Entertainment

AFRO-PERUVIAN MUSIC AND DANCE

DE CAJóN PROJECT
AFRO-PERUVIAN MUSIC AND DANCE

DE CAJóN Project is a Seattle-based performance group born of the rich musical heritage of African descent Peruvians and has been performing throughout the Pacific Northwest for the last nine years. “De cajón” is a Peruvian expression that means “for sure!” “rain or shine!” “without question!” Cajón is also the name of a box-shaped drum, the driving percussive element at the heart of Afro-Peruvian music. Deeply aware of the historic roots and contemporary manifestations of Afro-Peruvian arts and culture, DE CAJóN strives to offer a vibrant reclamation of this tradition, creating consciousness and community through their workshops and music performances for young and adult audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest. Director of DE CAJóN Monica Rojas (percussion, vocals) is a Peruvian artist and anthropologist dedicated to promoting and educating about the cultural contributions of the African descent people in Peru and the diaspora. DE CAJóNProject members also include Ivan Arteaga (sax, percussion), Roberto Bonaccorso (vocals, guitar), Eduardo Montero (music director, bass, vocals), Carmela Stewart (percussion), Jabali Stewart (percussion, sax, vocals), and Taryn Webber (vocals, percussion, cello).

La Clave Cubana
Dancers

DANIELA GALLARDO

Daniela Gallardo is originally from Mexico. Her love for music and dancing started at a young age leading her to be one of the principal dancers at the music festivals in her school. She then got invited to create her first choreography at the age of 15 where she discovered her passion for teaching.
Daniela’s salsa background started in 2009 giving her the opportunity to dance in Canada and Mexico. Soon after, she got invited to join a team back in Mexico where she was able to discover new skills, which in turn led her to grow as a dancer. As soon as she moved to Seattle, WA, Daniela got invited to join “La Clave Cubana” team and right away she started performing and traveling around the US. La Clave Cubana developed her skills as an instructor, which has given her the opportunity to share her knowledge and love for dancing to everyone from kids to adults. Daniela is now the Co-Director of “La Clave Cubana” and teaches alongside Reinier Valdes at their dance academy and at Congresses all over the US sharing her passion and talent everywhere she goes.

REINIER VALDES

Reinier Valdes was born in Habana, Cuba. He first started dancing to the Afro Cuban rhythms at the young age of 13. Reinier got immediately discovered by a professional Afro Cuban dance team which recruited his talent and showcased him all over Cuba. At the age of 18 he graduated from the Cuban school of dance as a dance instructor specializing in Popular Dances, such as Cuban Salsa, Son, Cha cha cha , Mambo and Rumba. In February of 2009 Reinier relocated to Brazil where he continued his work as a dancer, performer, and choreographer. He started his own performance group in 2010 called “Influencia Latina” and started touring and performing around Brazil. Reinier now lives in Seattle, WA where he funded the only Cuban dance academy and dance group in Seattle named “La Clave Cubana” which he continues to share his talent and passion for the Afro Cuban rhythms through dance classes, workshops, and performances all over the United States. He has a Cuban tour company and is also the creator of the first Cuban Dance Fest in Seattle.

Grupo Folclórico Donaji
Closing Dance Performance

Grupo Folclórico Donaji

Grupo Folcklorico Donaji that means in big soul Zapotec we are a group of Latin women who emigrate to this country and one of our favorite times is to dance and promote our Mexican culture, we love our roots and our Folcklor. Although we are far away, we will always be proud to represent where the opportunity to dance our music presents itself.