My work is deeply rooted in African and Caribbean movement, specifically showcasing Afro- Puerto Rican Bomba dance and its relationship with the African Diaspora. I not only preserve the natural beauty of Bomba but fuse it with contemporary and social dance techniques. I draw from historical contexts and traditional oral history to create meaningful movement in space that not only respects the traditional form, but also elevates it to another performing art dimension! Bomba dates back to the 17th century colonial time of Puerto Rico, maintained by the enslaved and free people of color. It has survived as a genre of drum, song and dance. It is the corporal communication, improvisation executed by solo dancers, where the drums follow them, that most fascinates me- the instant conversation that happens guided by the spirit of the drums. Through dance I found a way to express my thoughts, feelings, and address societal issues that afected me. Given the choreographic tools to create, I felt freedom to express myself as an emerging choreographer. Everything around me inspires me to carve through space. I best describe my work as both traditional and contemporary, deconstructing, decolonizing and giving power to my/ our African heritage, mi afrodescendencia. The choreographic work I create, is to educate, create consciousness, bridge cultures, present research from my choreographic process, it is spiritual, it is social justice and brings forth the voices of the unseen, unheard and perhaps even forgotten through time.
