Album Notes

José Alfredo Carrión was the principal dancer of Ballet Folklórico Cutumba. Born in Santiago, he began his career as a professional dancer in 1980 when he was invited to join Cutumba at the age of 17. After 25 years of researching, revitalizing & presenting the folkloric manifestations of Afro-Franco-Haitian-Cuban origin found primarily in Cuba's Eastern (Oriente) provinces, José has retired from Cutumba and moved to the United States where he is now the co-director of the Academy of Cuban Folkore and Dance in Seattle, Washington. Eleggua is the second in a series of instructional Cuban dance DVDs to be produced by the Academy of Cuban Folklore and Dance. This DVD features over 60 minutes of detailed instruction on 4 of the most well-known toques of Eleggua: La Lumbanche, La Topa, Ynongo & Chachalokuafun. José shares with the viewers the methodology he used as a professor in Cuba to train generations of dancers. Those who have never danced before now have the opportunity to learn from a master. Those who already have experience can deepen their understanding of these dances & develop more confidence & independence. The DVDs in this series will undoubtedly provide valuable learning material for all who love to dance. In Spanish, with English voice-over option.