Encanto Español 2012

Encanto Español was celebrated this past Saturday March 31, 2012 at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Theatre. This event is an all Spanish Dance concert that takes place annually in the spring. In addition to dance performances, this dance concert raises funds that precede a dance scholarship directed towards students in the TAMIU dance program.

Encanto Español is a scholarship fundraiser for dance students, which incorporates those who are studying Flamenco and Spanish dance. Department Chair of Fine and Performing Arts Bede Leyendecker, initiated this annual tradition. The event marked its 10th anniversary of celebrating Encanto Espanol.

Upon arrival, audience members had the opportunity to delight their taste buds on a dinner reception. There were tapas Españolas, a traditional Spanish dish, accompanied by Sangria a traditional  spanish wine punch, to share some of the provided menu. A Spanish theme was set with the appreciation of vivid types of décor, ranging from traditional Spanish fans, hats, and capes.

While conversing with the guest, The Bridge encountered with a historical person from the TAMIU family. Dr. Rafael Lecuona is a fellow TAMIU retired professor of Political Science and one of the early founders of TAMIU, he was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Diana Lecuona. They both willingly shared some words with The Bridge while they enjoyed a Spanish feast.. The food reception was hosted by the Woman's City Club. They wrote a grant that provided about 2000 dollars that helps to pay for the events food expenses.

The event showcased people reciting poetry in Spanish and music by Dr. Gilberto D. Soto and the TAMIU guitar ensemble. In addition, TAMIU Silver Winds, under the direction of Dr. Susan Berdahl, performed Latin American music. Throughout the course of the program the audience could appreciate Spanish dances ranging from classical, traditional and the new. A variety of dance techniques could be valued from the dancers, ranging from different types of zapateado footwork, the utilization of castanets, large red fans used by female dancers which are called pericones, a variety of props, and colorful and sophisticated costumes that represented the Spanish culture.  

The Bridge had the opportunity to speak to some of the performers that danced for Encanto Español, getting some of their inside thoughts, ideas and advice for future dancers who might be part of this show. Griselda Dozal is a graduate student at TAMIU who has had the opportunity to be part of Encanto Español for five consecutive years. Dozal participated in 20 dance pieces of the concert that ranged from, Abanicos, Alegrias, Cotenant, and Rumbas for which she prepared for long hours throughout the week and weekends. Although she had to spend a lot of time practicing in order to prepare for her dance pieces, she eagerly shared how delighted she was with the experience. Dozal stated, "I love it! It's an all Flamenco show, so we get to share our Flamenco passion." Dozal is a student who has previously been awarded a dance scholarship. She expressed her gratitude towards programs like Encanto Español that seek funds for scholarships that help students in the dance program.

The Bridge also had the opportunity to meet a first time performer of Encanto Español, Hector M. Perales. Perales a junior at TAMIU expressed his deep excitement when asked about his experience as a dancer for Encanto Español; he stated, "It's been an honor dancing here and specially for this concert."  Perales shared how extensive his practices were, and how much dedication a dancer must put into his or her technique in order to give a good performance. He thinks that new performers to this show should learn from dancers who have had previous experience to this dance concert in order to give the best out of them. Perales stated, "My favorite part of Encanto is actually the journey to the concert." The young dancer performed a variety of Spanish dances such as, traditional Spanish dance, Flamenco, and classical.

Encanto Español will be celebrated next spring of the 2013 semester. For more information, you can contact Bede Leyendecker at bleyendecker@tamiu.edu or call 956 326-2649.

(You can contact Neguif Angeles at neguif.angeles@tamiu.edu)