Introduction

When I started this portfolio, I wasn’t thrilled with the whole concept, but after I got going on the project, I realized how interesting this whole process was going to be. I began with my favorite cultural aspect of any community, music. Immediately I began to learn about all these Latin artists who portrayed such interesting differences in style compared to what I am used to. In the end though, I chose a relatively well-known artist in the United States, Shakira. The reason that I chose that song was because of its global significance. Another aspect of the cultural portfolio that I really enjoyed was looking at all the lullabies, because I can so heavily relate to a mother or father singing their child a lullaby. And there is really no greater image of unification than a parent soothing their child. For the poem, I decided to take my favorite poem and translate it into Spanish. The poem speaks of owning up to your potential and not “playing small”. I actually heard this poem on a movie and it took me back so much that I went directly to my house and researched the title. I have used it in more then one project and every time, I feel that its quality truly states how beautiful language can be in English or Spanish. Dance was another aspect that I decided to elaborate on because of the Latin’s influence and love for the world of dancing. The Salsa was the first dance that came to mind because of my aunt. She is a respected dancer in Baltimore and loves to salsa, so I guess you could say that she was my inspiration for choosing that particular dance. The final item I added to my portfolio was a painting that had been done many years before, portraying a mother and her children. There was something about that painting when I first saw it that really struck me. Here you have a mother who holds this overwhelming look of remorse, holding her children, who portray the innocence of that age. I couldn’t help but first question where the father was because of the fact that the mother looked as though she were taking a family portrait. Then I realized that, that might be the significance to the photo. Either way, I was moved by the piece and felt as though others might be moved as well. Overall, I really enjoyed this project. Its uniqueness brought a fresh outlook on the Spanish culture for me and I was able to discover some truly talented people and their works.

Salsa Dancing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPtPag7U_dY

The spanish influenced salsa style of dancing is one of the more "flavorful" arts of the hispanic culture. Like all other forms of movement, salsa is a means of expression that has caught on over the last few decades. Notorious as a dance of seduction, it is easy to understand why this dance has such a promiscuous reputation. Such artists as Enrique Iglesias and Selena have been faces for the style of dancing, yet it is through the club scene and underground discotecas that the true Latin fire emerges.

Arroz Con Leche

ARROZ CON LECHE
Arroz con leche me quiero casar

con una señorita de la capital,

que sepa coser,

que sepa contar,

que sepa abrir la puerta

para ir a jugar.

Yo soy la viudita, del barrio del rey,

Me quiero casar y no encuentro con quien:

con este, si, con este, no;

contigo, mi vida, me casare yo.


English Translation

Rice with milk i want to get married

With a lady from the capital,

You know sewing,

You know,

You know open the door

To go to play.

I am the viudita, the king's neighborhood,

I want to get married and not encounter with whom:

With this, if, with this, it is not;

With thee, my life, i will marry me.

Arroz con leche I want to marry

with a Lady of the capital,

who knows sewing,

to know tell,

who knows open the door

to go to play.

I am the viudita of the District of the King

I want to marry and can not find with whom:

with this, if, with this, no;

with you, my life, me casare I.

The reason that I chose this artifact was to show how two different cultures can relate in such a common way. Most anyone can relate with the scenario of their mother or father singing them a lullaby when they were younger, no matter the color of their skin or the language they speak. It is in the simplicity of the words and the soothing nature of our parents voice that we find solace in a lullaby. Read the words of Arroz con leche and remember that universal feeling of comfort.

Waka Waka (Esto es Africa)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzsuE5ugxf4&feature=relmfu

This is a song performed by the world renowned, Shakira, who is globally recognized as both a human and animal rights activist. The important aspect of this song is that it is unites the world through a common bond. The song was the anthem of the 2010 World Cup, in which teams from all around the world compete for the ultimate honor in sports. Soccer is truly a unifying thread for our world in that even the poorest nations can participate in a game of soccer. Though the spanish surpasses my abilities, it is still a beautiful song that has more meaning behind it then most. Waka Waka, is an anthem to be reckoned with.

*The song can also be found in english on various sights.