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Palomar heats up with Noche Havana

Noche Havana on Oct. 16 at the Palomar Studio Theatre. Palo and Makuta, a blend of Mayombe and Spanish ethnicity that blend war and fertility dances. Dancers L-R; Michelle Sadrena Clark, Rickey Richardson, Alicia Smith. Choreographed and Costumes designed by Artistic Director, Patriceann Mead. Patty Hayton/The Telescope
Noche Havana on Oct. 16 at the Palomar Studio Theatre. Palo and Makuta, a blend of Mayombe and Spanish ethnicity that blend war and fertility dances. Dancers L-R; Michelle Sadrena Clark, Rickey Richardson, Alicia Smith. Choreographed and Costumes designed by Artistic Director, Patriceann Mead. Patty Hayton/The Telescope

Noche Havana heated up Palomar’s Studio Theatre on Oct. 16.

Noche Havana, billed as an evening of Cuban music and dance, was directed by Patriceann Mead, Palomar’s Performing Art’s Department Chair and Dance Professor.

Noche Havana, colorful, lively and a cultural festival, was held on Oct. 16 at the Studio Theatre. Pictured is Michelle Sadrena Clark from "Tropicana, " the closing number of Act II. Costume by Doris de Hilster. This piece was choreographed by Patriceanne Mead as a tribute to all that is Cuba. Patty Hayton/Telescope
Noche Havana, colorful, lively and a cultural festival, was held on Oct. 16 at the Studio Theatre. Pictured is Michelle Sadrena Clark from “Tropicana, ” the closing number of Act II. Costume by Doris de Hilster. This piece was choreographed by Patriceanne Mead as a tribute to all that is Cuba. Patty Hayton/Telescope
Noche Havana, on Oct. 16 at the Palomar Studio Theatre. The Salsa performed by Choreographer Patriceann Mead and Music Director Silfredo La O Vigo. Patty Hayton/The Telescope
Noche Havana, on Oct. 16 at the Palomar Studio Theatre. The Salsa performed by Choreographer Patriceann Mead and Music Director Silfredo La O Vigo. Patty Hayton/The Telescope

The evening started with a salsa class for the guests taught by Mead and Silfredo La O Vigo, a graduate from the National School of Arts in Havana Cuba. Everyone was welcome to join, regardless of skill level.

Mead led a routine for the women while La O Vigo led the men. The dance floor was split in half and started with basic steps. After the basics were learned, the guests paired up and began to swing their hips dance to the Latin music. The guests all appeared to enjoy themselves, judging from the laughing and smiles around the room.

Following the salsa class, the guests took their seats around the colorfully lit stage. Behind an assortment of instruments, silhouettes of tall palm trees served as a tropical backdrop.

Noche Havana, on Oct. 16 at the Palomar Studio Theatre. The Rumba, Dancers, Choreographer Patriceann Mead and Music Director Silfredo La O Vigo. Patty Hayton/The Telescope
Noche Havana, on Oct. 16 at the Palomar Studio Theatre. The Rumba, Dancers, Choreographer Patriceann Mead and Music Director Silfredo La O Vigo. Patty Hayton/The Telescope

The performance started with a choreographed dance by Mead and La O Viga, picking up the pace of the evening while guests could feel the vibrations of the music.

Every dancer, musician and vocalist at Noche Havana performed with incredible enthusiasm, cheered on by the clapping guests. Throughout the evening there were a variety of dance performances with songs from various vocalists and musicians. Most songs and dances were performed by Agogo, an Afro-Cuban and Brazilian Drum and Dance ensemble, with other songs performed by La Farándula. The variety of instruments included guitar, bongo drums, trumpet, bass, trombone, and more.

Each act had it’s own style with a wide array of colorful costumes conveying Cuban culture, designed by Mead. The costumes ranged from fairly simple to extremely complex with layers of ruffles and sequins, all perfectly flowing with the dancers’ movements. In one performance, the dancers wore crowns with layers of beads masking their faces.

Noche Havana was a lively night, courtesy of the vibrant music, colorful costumes, and talented dancers.

Dancers (L-R) Alicia Smith, Michelle Sadrena Clark, Madeline Elizabeth Rayon, Rickey Richardson, Amanda Smith, and Patriceann Mead perform during Noche Havana on Oct. 16 at Palomar's Studio Theatre. Patty Hayton/The Telescope.
Dancers (L-R) Alicia Smith, Michelle Sadrena Clark, Madeline Elizabeth Rayon, Rickey Richardson, Amanda Smith, and Patriceann Mead perform during Noche Havana on Oct. 16 at Palomar’s Studio Theatre. Patty Hayton/The Telescope.

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