Yes, Scottish Flamenco does exist, and Mi Gente is about to prove it. Enter the premiere of a freshly founded Duke tradition. The first ever Mezcla is a visceral representation celebration of Latino culture. This Friday night, Mi Gente will transport their audience around the globe, from Cuba to the Philippines, from L.A. to Britain. The Spanish word mezcla sums it all up in one clean translation - mix.
"This show is not just Latino students; it is a wide spectrum - all encompassing of the Duke community," said junior Adriana Salazar, co-chair of Mezcla. "Mi Gente is about the total love of a culture, and we welcome everybody."
This is the first year that Mi Gente has put on a show of Mezcla's magnitude. What originally began as a poetry slam in the East Campus Coffeehouse during Latino Recruitment Weekend has evolved into an event that will fill Page Auditorium - due primarily to the foresight of Salazar and her co-chair Sara Hudson, also a junior.
"Four years ago there were less than 100 Latino students per class, and we never had the money or support for something like Mezcla," Salazar said. "But we want to set a precedent for the community this year."
The program reflects the show's title, boasting 10 acts that range from spoken word to Filipino dance, a form influenced by Spanish colonization. The highlight of Mezcla is a theatrical piece entitled "The Colors of Mi Gente" that the organizers have shrouded in secrecy.
What we do know is that members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity will step and the McKean-Peraza sisters will perform a Scottish Flamenco dance, complete with traditional costumes. The talents of Mi Gente's salsa troupe Sabrosura will be showcased under the direction of junior Nick Ortiz. Sabrosura will cha cha around the stage in an L.A.-influenced form of the traditional casino rueda Cuban dance.
Duke Capoeira will also display its expertise in the ancient Brazilian martial art that originated during slavery as a form of resistance. Finally, students from North Carolina State University are set to contribute two guest acts, including song and Spanish guitar.
"Mezcla breaks the stereotypes of the nebulous definition of what Latinos do and do not do," Hudson promised. That might have something to do with the kilts and meringue. What's not to love?
- Julia Fryett
Mix it up with Mezcla this Friday at 8 p.m. in Page Auditorium and a Spanish Harlem after-party at the Hideaway from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. It's all free.
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