The art and the Dominican culture reigned in Chavón! Yesterday afternoon, Thursday May 23rd, the Festival de Primavera got underway in Altos de Chavón with four different activities. Different people came from different parts of the country to enjoy the events, which continue through the weekend.
The beat of the drum announced the arrival of a troupe of drummers in the Chavón Main Plaza – part of the Dominican Street Theatre group, who began the Festival with their performance “Assault Pirate”. In a playful and interactive way, the young actors made use of the entire and even involved children and youngsters from the audience to recreate the history of Pirate Francis Drake. Casa de Campo little ones were thrilled to get involved and improvise along with the actors!
After the show, culture consultant, Xiomarita Pérez, held a folk dance interactive workshop within the Altos de Chavón Regional Museum of Archaeology. Xiomarita, accompanied by 2 couples showed to the audience some traditional dances of the Dominican Republic. People were very attentive, especially a boy named Oliver, who was so interested he continually asked questions. The most exciting part of the workshop was when a young girl from the crowd visiting from San Pedro de Macorís- after much insistence- danced a masterly Gagá with the dancers. To be honest – I even felt like dancing too!
A little later in the evening the good times continued at The Gallery where the art work of children and young students of the Abraham Lincoln School showed their drawings and creations made throughout the year to their parents. Soon we will publish a full article with more photos!
And finally, there was no better way to end the evening than with the String and Poetry concert ith Quinteto Mirabal with Sandra Mustelier at the “Fish Fountain”. The beautiful melodies of violins and cello accompanied by lovely poetry was a magical way to end the first evening of the Festival de Primavera.
Quinteto Mirabal (strings) in the Fish Fontain, Altos de Chavón
Also part of the celebration was an arts and crafts fair, where you can buy cute Dominican hand made creations. This arts and crafts fair opened yesterday and will stay open until Sunday May 26th and can be found in front of Emilio Robba´s Art Studio-which is offering specials discounts-as well as live pottery demonstrations!
The Festival de Primavera, has been organised by Casa de Campo with the Dominican Ministry of Culture, the festivities continue all weekend, with the the National Symphonic Orchestra conducted by the great José Antonio Molina TONIGHT (Friday) as well as the ENDANZA dance performance TOMORROW (Saturday) – both at the Altos de Chavón amphitheater.
Here we show you good moments during the activities:
“Assault Pirate” by the Dominican Street Theater
“Assault Pirate” was a 15-minute show performed by the Dominican Street Theater performing under the direction of Dominican actress Carlota Carretero. Its actors are young people aged 20 – 30 years, graduates of the National School of Dramatic Arts.
Interactive folk dance workshop with Xiomarita Pérez
During this workshop the audience were taught different ways to dance typical Dominican folk dances; Congos, Palos, Sarandunga, Comarca, Gagá, Guloya, Carabiné, Mangulina, Priprí and Merengue. Many of these dances, said Xiomarita, are performed in religious rites and others at parties and celebrations. Expect soon an article about all the teachings of Xiomarita Pérez during the workshop and more photos!
The Abraham Lincoln School Art Exhibit
The annual exhibition was officially opened last night Thursday May 23 among the joyous laughter and joy of this young artists of the future. The group from the School Abraham Lincoln were accompanied by their proud parents and teachers, as well as a group of art aficionados who never miss an opening of a new exhibit at the gallery!
The String and Poetry Concert
Under a full and beautifully unforgettable moon, illuminating every musical note, the Quinteto Mirabal and Sandra Mustelier delighted the audience with their beautiful poetry and music.
Festival de Primavera: May 23rd – 26th
The schedule of the Spring Festival 2013 is as follows:
The Dominican Arts and Crafts Fair will be open on Thursday the 23rd of May from 3pm to 7pm and Friday, Saturday and Sunday the 24th, 25th and 26th of May from 10am to 7pm.
Friday May 24th, 2013
Concert with the National Symphonic Orchestra conducted by Maestro José Antonio Molina When: 8pm Where: The Altos de Chavón amphitheater
Saturday May 25th, 2013
Ballet Gala with the National School of Dance (ENDANZA) When: 8pm Where: The Altos de Chavón amphitheater
Sunday May 26th, 2013
Concert with the Dominican Wind Orchestra When: 7:30pm Where: Main plaza, Altos de Chavón
*** ALL activities and performances are completely free of charge.
Contact:
• Casa de Campo concierge (809) 523-3333 ext.3165
• the Altos de Chavón amphitheater (809) 523-2097
• Casa de Campo Villa Owners Club (809) 523-8077
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