South Florida - The Panamerican Youth and Children Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization, whose main purpose is to promote cultural and social activities for the children in our community.
This week the children and families had a special treat as Producer Steve Hendel of "FELA" invited Panamerican Youth and Children Association to witness "FELA" at Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. What was so wonderful about this opportunity is that many of the children had never been in a huge performing arts center or seen a Broadway show.
Their usual Saturday of rehearsing a play for Mother's Day was rescheduled so these kids ages 5 to 16 to could enjoy Broadway's "Best National Tour of the Year". "FELA" is one of the most unique shows ever made first because it tells the life of the iconic artists Fela Kuti. Maya (11yrs old) said "the beat of the music was great, I like the drums!", Anais (6yrs old) "I like the rain effect on stage.", Melanie and Naelys we like how the people dance without looking like they are tired. "
Now the boys have different love for "FELA", Robert (12 yrs old) I can relate to the music because it reminds me of some of the music in Panama and of course I like the girls", Darvin (11 yrs old) "I like how the ladies waist movements, LOL." Some of the older kids like the fact that it was cultural and it was part of history. They enjoyed how they made it, "FELA" is a very colorful and powerful show! The youth were happy to see Michelle Williams and tell her how much they loved "FELA".
Panamerican Youth and Children Association represent the theatre patrons of today. Artists who are committed to learning their traditional dances from Panama as well embrace the dance, rhythms and music of "FELA". The BroadwayGlobal community is smaller than we think.
"We do not charge to teach children. We feel it is important to our youth learn culture to make them a more rounded individual when they are older. Money seems to be the one thing that makes it impossible for a child to learn something different, so therefore we charge nothing. We (Jackie, Keyla, Jazmin, Griselda, Kimmy and myself) make it possible by donating our time. Through sweat and tears we teach ANY youth what we learned in our country. If kids want to learn we are willing to teach. The parents are grateful of what we do, especially when they get to see they children on stage.
I remember when we were kids, learning our dances was a must! Now, that we are in the USA, we feel the same about our children. Unfortunately now in Panama dance is no longer part of the school curriculum. Learning the basic cultural Panama dances is not introduced to the youth anymore, especially free of charge.
It is a privilege for our kids to learn what we are teaching them. What makes it so interesting is that our youth are American and they have all embraced the Panamenian culture as if it's theirs. By learning to dance this music they also learn Spanish. They have a great time investing their time into something that for sure no one is doing, it is different and BEAUTIFUL!
We invite all kids to join our group. It does not matter where you are from, or what language you speak. You are welcome. We want to saturate our culture, if you are willing. Teaching something valuable so our youth will ALWAYS remember our unique heritage. Hopefully when these kids have children of thier own, they will feel the necessity of having thier children learn the importance of culture, dance and performance. Just like "FELA' It is the heartbeat of life." Claudia Lord.
Don't miss our wonderful Panamerican Youth and Children Association performing for Mother's Day Sunday May 13, 2013 in the Betty Ferguson Center located at 3000 NW 199 Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33056. See map in this article. Email: pyacainc@gmail.com or call 786- 487-5795 for more information.
For more information on Panamerican Youth and Children Association, Inc. send email to pyacainc@gmail.com. . Visit Panamerican Youth and Children Association on facebook.
"Fela" is making it's way around the United States now and like the artist himself is sure to influence the globe. The current tour stars Destiny's Child's singer Michelle Williams. The dancing, musicians and true story of one artist who's lyrics made him an activist for the globe is the "National Tour of The Year. A must see.
"Fela" received three 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Choreography. "Fela" is the Theatre Chat top pick for most unique Broadway Musical in history. The award winning musical has brave new changes from Producers Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Will & Jada Pinkett Smith and Ruth & Stephen Hendel who acquired Grammy Award-winning recording artist and former member of Destiny’s Child Michelle Williams.
"The Grammy Award-winning recording artist and former member of Destiny’s Child Michelle Williams is bringing a new younger audience to Broadway shows and a very important musical that offers a concert type style of performance, while sharing the compelling historic journey of Fela Kuti. "BroadwayGlobal.
“This musical journey is one that I’ve wanted to be a part of since first seeing it on stage in 2008. The sounds, the passion and the politics of Fela Kuti have long intrigued me and speak to my heart. I am simply honored.” Michelle Williams.
Featuring many of Fela Kuti’s most captivating songs and Bill T. Jones’s visionary staging, the global phenomenon that is Fela! reveals Kuti's controversial life as an artist and political activist, while at the same time celebrating his pioneering music and commitment to the cause of universal human dignity. "More than a musical, an ecstatic phenomenon" (David Cote, Time Out New York), Fela! "Is a spectacularly inspiring hybrid: theater, music, dance, biography, history lesson, political rally, and religious experience. Sublime" (Joyce Kulhawik).
Fela! is directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Bill T. Jones, with a book by Jim Lewisand. "Fela" was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel. For tickets to "FELA", "Broadway's Best National Tour visit www.felaonbroadway.com.
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