Summer 2013: Dominican Music and Dance Festival huge success with bachata music and dance lessons
by Michelle Saport |
The Dominican Music and Dance Festival, sponsored by La Tertulia (the UAA Student Spanish Club), took place on the Mat-Su and Anchorage campuses Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, thanks to the collaborative efforts of volunteers and generous donations from various University of Alaska funding entities and community sponsors. The event shared Hispanic/Afro-Latin culture with Alaska. World-renowned Dominican artist Joan Soriano and his band, which features Dominican percussion instruments like the tambora, guira and bongo, headlined the festival both days. Joan has performed all over the globe and is a well-respected roots artist in his field. In addition to Soriano, the festival offered dance lessons and performances by Dominican folkloric dancer Altagracia Guillen and the Alaska Dance Promotions' semi-pro team. Check out the Mat-Su College on Facebook for pictures of the event.