BAILA SOCIETY
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
1
BOARD LETTER 2013 was another banner year for BAILA Society and its three main operating arms - the dance company, the charitable organization and the dance academy. Highlights included our work with Alvin Ailey and Peridance, the Latino Commission on AIDS, BASo Canada, the ballroom competitive titles in theater arts for Ahtoy and Daniel under the mentorship of Billy Fajarado, the World Salsa Summit in Miami,
and traveling around the world with the repertory company. Moreover, we welcomed BASo babies in Chicago (Luke Alexander, congratulations Leah and Luis), NY (Nicolas, congratulations Gerry) and soon another one in Toronto (congratulations Gulsaya). After our traditional Asia tour in December to bring in the new year with a BASo photoshoot, the company trained hard in January to create new choreographies to add to the repertory. The year started out with BASo taking one of its performance classes to the World Salsa Summit in Miami, where Ahtoy and Daniel were judges. BASo PC12 performed a boogaloo/ salsa, “Marilu”, the apprentice team BASo ALTo performed “Nina Y Senora”, and the repertory company staged “Cosa Rica”, followed by a family style birthday celebration for Daniel in South Beach. We then had Gulsaya, one of our first repertory dancers and now the director of BASo Canada, come to New York to train with us to debut a new choreography (“Tribute to Birdland”) at the Vancouver International Salsa Festival, one of our favorite Salsa events in the world (and for now the last edition). Birdland marked the return to the stage for senior repertory dancer Bernard and we also had Andrew debut Cosa Rica. Andrew is from Seattle, so half of the west coast came to see him perform. Back in NY we went uptown to celebrate one of our other BASo babies, David Frankel, who since has moved on to lead a successful Salsa band, Avenida B. One of the performance classes last year was lucky enough to perform its choreography to David and his band playing live at the Peridance Capezio Center. Later in February we
had a film crew from Japan come to our studio to shoot our classes and interview the company. We also used this time to expand our online dance academy, BAILASociety.TV. Filming extensively for the “BAILA Society Pattern Factory”, all repertory dancers contribute unique creations and signature movements for our students in over 60 countries around the world. In April, our apprentice team BASo ALTo performed at legendary NY nightclub Club Cache before it closed its doors at the old location. The choreography, “Ave Maria”, was the featured company piece at Bailando por una Causa 2012. We had a big focus on Canada in 2013 with BASo Canada and numerous dance festivals there. In May, the repertory company went to beautiful Quebec for Mambo Royal, Congres des danses latines de Quebec, at the Imperial Theater of the old city. The summer was mostly spent training and choreographing for Bailando por una Causa 2013 and the new theater arts endeavors for Ahtoy and Daniel in the competitive ballroom world, under the mentorship and guidance of world champion Billy Fajardo. BASo co-founder Joseph Rivera, who in 2013 also became part of the Museo del Barrio’s junior council, has been organizing our charitable efforts for the Latino Commission on AIDS through “Bailando Por Una Causa”, a night of dance and celebration to raise awareness and funds for the commission. Now in its fourth year, Bailando was a sold out event at the Museo in Spanish Harlem and 2014 will bring the fifth year anniversary. The company showcased a new piece,
2
“Que Cosa Tan Linda”, especially created for the occasion. Also for the Latino Commission, BASo Rep performed at Cipriani on Wall Street for the Cielo Latino Charity Gala.
Rico for our friend Tomas Guerrero, where BASo ALTo performed next to Frankie Martinez and Amando Estilo for the holidays. BASo then left the cold NY winter to teach workshops and give lectures in Hawaii.
BAILA Society then had a photoshoot with Alvin Ailey and taped a video lesson for them for the Ailey Extension. Teaching latin dance at Alvin Ailey has been a great privilege for BASo and we are planning big new initiatives with them for 2014.
In all, 2013 was a wonderful year in the life of BAILA Society, and none of the bliss and happiness would have been possible without our family of dancers and our students, who each year support us in the many different paths we take around the world.
PC13 allowed our repertory dancer Andre to choreography under the auspices of Ahtoy, and the result was a beautiful and dramatic piece for the students at their recital in July. We also had our partner Djoniba and his African Drum Center on stage with us, along with our friends Farrah and Fausto.
Ahtoy, Joseph and the rest of us at BASo wish you the best for a healthy and happy 2014. Yours, Daniel
August is when Ahtoy and Daniel officially competed for the first time in the competitive ballroom scene. They won the title of theater arts champions for the DC Swing Fling, thanks to their coach Billy Fajardo and his choreography, “Mon Amour”. After this local event, Billy choreographed a new piece for them, “Turning Page”, and they went on to win more titles for the year at the renowned Triple Crown Southeastern States Dancesport Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes: Rising Star Pro Theatre of Arts Champions, and 2nd Place Professional Open Theatre of Arts, placing behind the current world champions. During the fall, we also made a few local stops in Philadelphia to judge and perform, and at Santo
3
BAILA SOCIETY 2013 IN DETAIL
BAILA Society Photoshoot, Asia As almost every year, BASo in December toured Asia - both to escape the New York cold and to teach and perform. Also as almost every year, we used this time to do a photoshoot with one of our great photographer friends, Robert Tenorio. Take a look at the pictures and judge for yourself: Gallery - BASo Asia Photoshoot We ended up shooting at the WonPat International Airport in a hangar off the runway and took turns with a movie crew shooting an action movie there at the same time. What a way to start the year.
4
World Salsa Summit, Miami Right after coming back to NY, BASo’s year started out with us taking the 12th installment of our performance classes, to the World Salsa Summit in Miami, where Ahtoy and Daniel were judges. BASo PC12 performed a Boogaloo/ Salsa, “Marilu”, the apprentice team BASo ALTo performed “Nina Y Senora”, and the repertory company staged “Cosa Rica” with rep dancer Gerry back in the mix, followed by a family style birthday celebration in South Beach. Below are the videos of the performances and the pictures of our time together in Miami. We also had a chance to get together with many of our friends in the Salsa scene, especially world champion Paulina, who we had the pleasure of having with us in NY to train and perform in 2012. Paulina later in 2013 went on to win yet another on2 championship with her partner, David.
Organized by Billy Fajardo, our coach, choreographer and mentor for theater arts, we had the honor of meeting his mentors, Augie and Margo Rodriguez.
Photo Gallery, BASo in Miami
BAILA Society Repertory Company, Miami:
Miami never disappoints, especially in the dead of winter. BASo PC12, “Marilu”
Vancouver International Salsa Festival Once we came back from Miami, we had Gulsaya, one of our first repertory dancers and now the leader of BASo Canada, come to New York to train with us. Like finals in an exam, Gulsaya had to learn a new choreography in a few days, which BASo would debut at the Vancouver Inter5
national Salsa Festival, one of our favorite Salsa events in the world (and for now the last edition). Picture Gallery Vancouver BASo Rep, Tribute to Birdland VIS
raphy to David and his band playing live at the Peridance Capezio Center. Later in February we had a film crew from Japan come to our studio to shoot our classes and company. We also used this time to build on our online dance academy, BAILASociety.TV. Filming extensively for the “BAILA Society Pattern Factory�, all repertory dancers contribute unique creations and signature movements for our students all around the world. BASo Pattern Factory, #61
Tribute to Birdland took on extra significance as it also marked the return to the stage for senior repertory dancer Bernard, alongside senior repertory dancers Gabriela and Thai Lynne. We also had Andrew on stage with us for Cosa Rica - Andrew is from Seattle, so half of the west coast came to see him perform. BAILA Society, VIS 2013, Cosa Rica:
In April, our apprentice team BASo ALTo performed at legendary NY nightclub Club Cache before it closed its doors for the old location, and also represented our company again at the Latino College Expo at NYU. BASo ALTo, Ave Maria
Back in NY we went uptown to celebrate one of our other BASo babies, David Frankel, who since has moved on to lead a successful Salsa band, Avenida B. One of the performance classes last year was lucky enough to perform their choreog6
The choreography, “Ave Maria�, was the featured company piece at Bailando por una Causa 2012.
Ahtoy & Billy, Mentira
We had a big focus on Canada in 2013 with BASo Canada and numerous dance festivals there. In May, the repertory company went to beautiful Quebec for Mambo Royal, Congres des danses latines de Quebec, at the Imperial Theater of the old city. BAILA Society at Mambo Royal, Quebec The summer was mostly spent training and choreographing for Bailando por una Causa and the new theater arts endeavors for Ahtoy and Daniel in the competitive ballroom world under the mentorship and guidance of world champion Billy Fajardo. Ahtoy & Daniel training with Billy, gallery: We also went back to Canada to judge and perform at the Calgary International Salsa Congress, organized by Eric and Kelly, next to our theater arts mentor Billy Fajardo. Aside from performing our signature routine, Volando, Ahtoy had the honor of dancing with Billy on stage. BASo Repertory Company, Volando
BASo Company Training - Pushups:
7
BASo co-founder Joseph Rivera, who in 2013 also became part of the Museo del Barrio’s junior council, has been organizing our charitable efforts for the Latino Commission on AIDS through “Bailando Por Una Causa” a night of dance and celebration to raise awareness and funds for the commission. Now in its fourth year, Bailando was a sold out event at the Museo in Spanish Harlem and 2014 will bring the fifth year anniversary. The company showcased a new piece, “Que Cosa Tan Linda”, especially for the occasion. Separately, BASo Rep performed at Cipriani Wall Street for the Commission’s Cielo Latino Charity Gala. BAILA Society at Bailando, QCTL
BASo at Cielo Latino Charity Gala:
BAILA Society then had a photoshoot with Alvin Ailey and taped a video lesson for them for the Ailey Extension. Teaching latin dance at Alvin Ailey has been a great privilege for BASo and we are planning big new initiatives with them. Gaby & Daniel teaching for Alvin Ailey:
PC13 allowed our repertory dancer Andre to choreography under the auspices of Ahtoy, and the result was a beautiful and dramatic piece for the students at their recital in July. We also had our partner Djoniba and his African Drum Center on stage with us, along with our friends Farrah and Fausto.
8
BASo PC13, “El Bigoton de Danilo”
August is when Ahtoy and Daniel officially competed for the first time in the competitive ballroom scene. They won the title of theater arts champions for the DC Swing Fling, thanks to their coach Billy Fajardo and his choreography, “Mon Amour”.
BASo PC13, Gallery:
Our recitals and socials are an important part of BASo’s local outreach and community building. We bring together our students, friends, fellow dancers and business partners, alongside DJs and live bands, to celebrate and dance together. BASo Recitals and Socials, 2013:
After this regional competition, Billy choreographed a new piece for them, “Turning Page”, and they went on to win more titles for the year at 9
the renowned Triple Crown Southeastern States Dancesport Championship at the RitzCarlton Grande Lakes: Rising Star Pro Theatre of Arts Champions, and 2nd Place Professional Open Theatre of Arts, placing behind the current world champions. :
During the fall, we also made a few local stops in Philadelphia to judge and perform, and at Santo Rico for our friend Tomas Guerrero, where BASo ALTo performed next to Franky Martinez and Amando Estilo for the holidays.
And, our 14th installment of the BASo performance class, BASo PC14, closed our recitals and showcases for the year, with “Llore Llore”. We also had our friends Elvis and Brianna perform at the recital. BASo PC14, Llore Llore:
While our apprentice team performed in Harlem for our friend and partner Tomas Guerrero at his Christmas Social, Ahtoy took Bernard back to Toronto to teach and perform at Gulsaya’s Bachata Class recital: BASo ALTo at Santo Rico, X-Mas Social:
BASo Rep, Que Cosa Tan Linda, Philadelphia
10
Ahtoy & Bernard, Toronto, QCTL:
Gulsaya has built BASo Canada around both classes and performance work.
Here is her original ladies’ styling class choreography, BASo Canada, Ladies’ Styling, Fever:
Ahtoy & Daniel, Hawaii Workshop Demo:
In all, 2013 was a wonderful year in the life of BAILA Society, and none of the bliss and happiness would be possible without our family of dancers and students, who each year support us in the many different paths we take around the world. The next pages feature our dance company in greater detail, along with highlights from the year and some of our favorite students, friends and performers. Ahtoy, Joseph and the rest of us at BASo wish you the best for a healthy and happy 2014. Yours, Daniel
BASo then left the cold NY winter to teach workshops and give lectures in Hawaii. We also visited former dancers, Emily and Stefan, who now are building their dance company and community in Hawaii. 11
BAILA SOCIETY DANCE COMPANY
BASo Repertory Company dancers teach, lecture and perform around the world and represent the global brand of the company. As teachers, competitors, performers and mentors, the repertory company has performed in over 30 countries in all continents of the world, in addition to regularly being featured in print media and television. BASo ALTo, our apprentice team, are students that have demonstrated the dedication, passion and commitment to study Latin dance and NY Salsa as part of BAILA Society, to become the next generation of teachers and leaders for the community. Lastly, we are also proud to still have with us many of our former dancers that have moved to different countries and cities, but still come to dance and train with the company. Our dancers are the family that is at the heart of everything we do.
12
Ahtoy WonPat-Borja Founding Partner, BAILA Society - Artistic Co-Director
13
Daniel Enskat Founding Partner, BAILA Society - Artistic Co-Director
14
Joseph Rivera Founding Partner, BAILA Society
15
Bernard Baffoe Senior Repertory Dancer, Rehearsal Director
16
Gabriela Quiles Senior Repertory Dancer
17
Thaikisha Alvarez Senior Repertory Dancer
18
Andre Irving Repertory Dancer
19
Andrew Yu Repertory Dancer
20
Gulsaya Tuleubayeva Senior Repertory Dancer, Director BASo Canada
21
Rachelle Grace Matias Senior BASo ALTo Dancer, Rep Understudy
22
Ayako Izu BASo ALTo
23
Lidia Velazquez BASo ALTo
24
Jonathan Peguero BASo ALTo
25
Julian Vasquez BASo ALTo
26
Jeffrey Then BASo ALTo
27
Fred DenBleyker BASo ALTo
28
BASo Emeritus: Leah Sparkes Ampuero Luis Ampuero Gerry Caba Mariana Salinas Steven Valle Marta Banach
29
Marlon Valle Frederic Toussaint Jill Birschbach Leydi Barros Zeynep Sertbulut Denisse Alvmar
30
THEATER ARTS W BILLY FAJARDO
In 2012, Billy Fajardo agreed to take on Ahtoy and Daniel as his theater arts couple to compete in the ballroom world. As choreographer, mentor and coach, Billy has changed our dance life in the last two years, fundamentally altering our understanding of discipleship and partnerwork dancing. The most precious time for us has been learning about the history of this dance form and training in the studio with him each month.
31
Billy in 2012 choreographed “Mon Amour” for us and we competed with it for the first time this year, at the DC Swing Fling - winning the title for theater arts. We then had the debut of his second choreography for us, “Turning Page”, at our fall recital at Peridance in NY. Shortly after the debut, we went to Larry Dean’s renowned Triple Crown Southeastern States Dancesport Championship, now in its 41st year. We won the title of Rising Star Pro Theater of Arts Champions and placed second in the Pro Open Theater Arts division, right after the reigning world champions.
Training with Billy in NY
It is an honor for us to be mentored and coached by Billy, and we can’t wait for the competitive road ahead in 2014. Here are some of our favorite moments from this year.
32
Training with Billy Fajardo Gallery
33
“Turning Page” (Billy Fajardo) Gallery
34
“Mon Amour” (Billy Fajardo) Gallery
35
BASO REPERTORY
BAILA Society’s repertory company teaches, lectures and performs all over the world. The following pages feature a few pictures on stages and inside the studio.
36
37
38
39
BAILANDO POR UNA CAUSA
Bailando Por Una Causa is a charity fundraiser for the Latino Commission on AIDS, organized by BAILA Society. Founding Partner Joseph Rivera has been instrumental in making Bailando an amazing celebration of dance for the commission. 2013 marked the fourth year, and the sold out showcase once again was held in the Museo del Barrio in Spanish Harlem.
40
41
42
PARTNERSHIPS
BAILA Society is honored to have a multi-year partnership with Peridance. Igal Perry and Peridance in 2013 celebrated 30 years of dance leadership in the city of New York, and we are glad to call the Peridance Capezio Dance Center our home. Similarly, our partnership with Alvin Ailey where we teach Latin dance at the Extension is an important aspect of our community outreach for New York and beyond. And our dance partnerships and friendships with Djoniba’s African Drum Center and Santo Rico/Tomas Guerrero continue to prosper. 43
44
PERFORMANCE CLASSES
BAILA Society has pioneered performance classes as a concept in NY and 2013 marked our 14th BASo PC. Students for 8-10 weeks learn a choreography created for them and undergo a light version of BASo’s technical and physical training. It also allows BASo to have repertory dancers choreograph and direct a larger group under the tutelage of Ahtoy and Daniel. 2013 started with BASo PC12 (Gaby & Daniel), Marilu, going to Miami to perform a Boogaloo/Salsa at the World Salsa Summit. BASo PC13 (Ahtoy & Dre), El Bigoton, was set around a Hector Lavoe concert, and PC14 (Ahtoy/Daniel & Jeffrey) a dramatic stage piece. Take a look at the pictures and videos and our favorite students killing it on stage.
45
BASo PC12 - Marilu
46
BASo PC13, El Bigoton de Danilo
47
BASo PC14, Llore Llore
48
BASO BEHIND THE SCENES
With so much fun traveling around the world, on stages, in studios and just spending time with our familia, it would be a shame to not share with you a few of our favorite moments ... BASo Behind The Scenes.
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
BASO.TV
BAILA Society is the pioneer in global online dance instruction for NY Salsa on2. BAILASociety.TV has thousands of videos, including stretching, styling, spinning, body movement, hand technique, alignment, drills, and partnerwork. BAILASociety.TV has students in over 50 countries around the world, ranging from complete beginners to professional dancers. In 2013 we greatly expanded the BASo Pattern Factory based on requests from students around the world. Stay tuned for a major overhaul of the platform, both for content and delivery. 56
BASo.TV Video Introduction
BASo Ladies’ Styling Sample
57
SOCIAL MEDIA
www.bailasociety.com www.bailasociety.TV www.youtube.com/bailasociety www.twitter.com/bailasociety www.instagram.com/bailasociety
58