The Oshkosh West Index - Flamenco stylings illustrated at Mexican fiesta

Volume 103, Issue 8

Online Features

Flamenco stylings illustrated at Mexican fiesta

By Morgan Redemann
posted 11:25:58 AM CST, May 24, 2007

Vibrant guitar chords, floating flute accompaniment, driving percussion rhythms, and the entrancing vocals and dance of Spanish flamenco took center stage in celebration of Cinco de Mayo on May 4. The event, held in Milwaukee, was attended by 143 students in Spanish levels two through five from both West and North high schools. Students and staff alike took part in the excitement of this adventure through Mexican culture.

“The live flamenco music and dancing was really neat,” said Spanish teacher Anne Lerch. “I really enjoyed it.”

The program included nine flamenco pieces written and performed by Juan Carmona, an ensemble at the Centro de la Comunidad Unida [The United Community Center] in the Mexican-American community of Milwaukee. Flamenco is one of the many lively Spanish folk dances that includes cante flamenco [singing] and toque flamenco [guitar playing]. The music and dance are associated with the gypsies of southern Spain. Dancers use skillful footwork, flowing arm movements, hand clapping, and finger snapping to create energetic and passionate dance performances. Spanish teacher Giselle Cherek felt that it was a beneficial experience for students.

“We always try to find something the students can benefit from,” she said. “This experience allows exposure to another culture.”

The event was attended in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican independence holiday. It marks the May 5, 1862 battle between the people of the Puebla against the French army. The outnumbered, disheveled Mexican militia defeated the French, who were thought to be the world’s finest military at the time. The magnificent battle earned itself the holiday, Cinco de Mayo. This commemorative day is celebrated by both Mexicans and Mexican-Americans.

“This is the second year we have attended an event to celebrate Cinco de Mayo,” said Cherek. “There is something different to experience each year.”

After the performance, the group ate lunch at Pedarana’s Restaurant for a taste of Spanish culture. A buffet of authentic Spanish entrées was prepared for the students, which included beef tacos, cheese enchiladas, Spanish rice and beans, and other Spanish delicacies.

“The food was delicious – very Spanish,” said sophomore Stephanie Begley. “The Spanish rice was my favorite entrée.”

The live experience proved successful and beneficial in the eyes of both staff and students. Cherek noted the importance of cultural experiences outside of classrooms.

“[The staff] can teach Spanish culture, but it is not the same,” said Cherek. “By experiencing a cultural event ourselves, students and staff can benefit from it, gaining a greater understanding of another culture.”

Students said the trip was beneficial for their Spanish education.

“By exposing myself to another culture, I was also able to expose myself to the world of knowledge,” said freshman Julia Sprangers.

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photo by Morgan Redemann

Students enjoy a Cinco de Mayo meal at Pedarana’s Restaurant in Milwaukee. They dined on traditional Mexican cuisine, which provided a unique cultural experience for Spanish learners.

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