Versión en Español

Irene: The Platinum Dame of Danzón

By:
Translated by:

It has been more than 120 years since the first celebrated Danzón, the national dance of Cuba, was danced in the city of Matanzas. It was titled the Alturas de Simpson, by its creator, Don Miguel Faílde. Today there is still a highly respected dancer carrying on this tradition in Santiago de Cuba, that most Caribbean city of the Pearl of the Antilles.

Irene Leyva García, known by everyone as the Platinum Dame of Danzón, or the "Danzonera Mayor", has been dancing as a part of the Circle of Friends of Danzón “Mariano Mercerón” for 12 years. This group is located in the Casa del Estudiante in this eastern port city, on Heredia Street, next to the centrally located Hotel Casa Granda.

Founded by Papi Rodríguez Terezón (R.I.P.), this Círculo de Amigos del Danzón celebrated its 22nd anniversary on November 24th, 2002 and has 70 dance couples who are active members, 4 of which participate in the frequent shows and choreographies at various cultural activities. One of these couples is Irene Leyva together with her dance partner, Lino Semanat.

Every Thursday, beginning at five in the afternoon at the Casa del Estudiante, the members of the Círculo hold classes and rehearsals, and since most of the members are seniors, the Dirección Provincial de Cultura (local office of the Cultural Ministry) provides them with other educational health programs and recreational events.

In Santiago de Cuba there are 36 Círculos de Danzón, but one of the most well-known is Mariano Mercerón.

On Saturday nights, the Danzoneros dance in the Parque Céspedes in the center of town, accompanied by the historical Municipal Band, directed by Maestro Castillo.

It is here that the fans of Danzón can appreciate how the Cuban National Dance is still danced, but it no longer has all of the complicated figures that are similar to the minuet, like in the past. The same evolution of modern society has modified the moves, retaining the same flavor, thanks to the memory of the unforgettable symbols of Cuban Culture, like Barbarito Diez and the Orchestra of Antonio María Romeo. Here in Santiago de Cuba the memory of the famous Chepín Chovén Orchestra keeps Danzón alive, as in the case of the song, Bodas de Oro, one of the most celebrated Danzones of all times.

In the modern version of the Danzón, one still must pause in the rhythm. These pauses are obligatory, and afford the man the opportunity to make the woman fall in love with him while she charmingly fans herself. These images form part of the memories of days past when you felt your heart flutter upon hearing the opening bars of the song played by the cornet.

But let's get back to our Platinum Dame. She not only dances danzón, but is also known for her interpretations of the tango, the son, the rumba and boleros, although she is most well-known for the Danzón.

“For me, dancing is life,” says Irene. “I love danzón and ever since I was a child, I learned to dance with my father who was a dance instructor. He taught me to dance everything. I have found happiness with the dance and received accolades for my interpretation because I dance with my body, my soul, and always with love."

As a dancer, she has received many prizes throughout her career... too many to mention. She is promoted in the local media and is often the first place winner in Danzón competitions or other traditional Cuban music events. She and her partner are the most renowned Danzón dancers.

Among the awards she carefully keeps, there is one that has special meaning. It was given to her by the National radio station, Radio Rebelde, as the Danzonera Mayor on the program, Felicidad.

Even though Irene has only been dancing Danzón for about a decade here in the eastern region of Cuba, she forms a part of the history of Danzón, born of the "contradanza" from France, having been transformed into our national dance, the Danzón.

Lea otros editoriales en SalsaPower Aquí.

 

 

All editorials and letters to the editor on SalsaPower.com are personal opinions of those people who write them and do not necessarily reflect the position of SalsaPower.com, Inc.

This page last updated on:  31-Dec-2007