Eric Mindling
is a native to the
USA who has lived the last 10 years in Oaxaca, Mexico. He runs Manos
de Oaxaca , an organization that works to support traditional indigenous
artisans. He also organizes cultural tourism programs such as workshops
with Zapotec potters and journeys to meet rural silk cultivators, indigo
dyers and weavers in Oaxaca state. Eric is a devout fan of Latin music
and a budding bongocero and congero. Eric will be facilitating our trip.
Andy Gever
has been an avid student of African and Latin percussion and dance for
the last ten years. He has studied with the Munequitos de Matanzas, traveled
to Santiago de Cuba to study rhythms and dance, and has studied and danced
with members of the Ballet National de Cuba and the Conjunto Folklorico
Nacional de Cuba. Andy is from the U.S.A but currently lives in Madrid,
Spain. Andy will be co-facilitating on the trip and teaching afternoon
salsa lessons.
Buzing Alemu Feleke is a native of Ethiopia who moved to Cuba at age 9 and spent
20 years there. Coming from a culture of dance in Ethiopia, it was easy
for Buzing to adapt to the dance styles she encountered in Cuba. She danced
for the Ethiopian Folkloric Dance Group in Cuba winning awards in the
African Culture Festival there. Buzing now lives in Madrid, Spain and
will be co-teaching our salsa lessons.