February 2015
Category Archives: February 2015
Editor’s Letter
By Jane Bauer
If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.
John F. Kennedy
It is only February and already 2015 is off to a sad start for the press; the terror attacks on the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, the imprisonment and lashings of Saudi blogger Raif Sadawi, these acts are an affront to the freedom of speech the world over. The Economist reported “Every country limits free speech. Some do so only to prevent immediate harms, such as libel, violence or child pornography; others ban “hate speech” (offensive utterances against groups such as gay people or racial minorities) or blasphemy. In the wake of the Paris attacks, these differing approaches are colliding—both with each other and with free speech, which is in many places at best a wavering ideal.” These are complicated times. Social media has made it even easier to have access to multiple opinions- one might say it is impossible to escape. The question regarding freedom of speech is, when is it free and when is it harmful? Where do we draw the line without living in censorship? Continue reading Editor’s Letter
The First Dance
By Leigh Morrow
My first dance partner was my father. The dance lessons started in earnest when I was around five or six years of age. I vividly remember climbing barefoot onto the tops of my father’s shiny brown oxfords, and as he clasped my tiny wrists and in 4/4 time, transported me on the top of those polished shoes through the long continuous movements of the foxtrot around and around the living room rug, while the record player spun Frank Sinatra’s “I’ve got you under my skin”. Continue reading The First Dance
Musings on (a poster of) the Feather Dance, Tourism, and Authenticity
By Deborah Van Hoewyk
This is a vintage travel poster for Oaxaca, or at least a reproduction thereof. I bought it because I liked the colors, because it promoted Oaxaca in bright marigold yellow, my favorite of those colors, and because it had those weird little Keane-like kids down in the corner, staring at the dancers with their very big eyes. Continue reading Musings on (a poster of) the Feather Dance, Tourism, and Authenticity
Mexican Folk Dance
By Marcia Chaiken and Jan Chaiken
If you haven’t seen folk dance in Mexico, you haven’t seen Mexico. While many of us raised north of the border were taught the Mexican hat dance in elementary school, the version we learned is only a pale imitation of the dances that are entrenched in the culture of cities, towns and villages throughout Mexico. Specific dances vary from state to state and region to region, but in general Mexican folk dance encompasses joyous music with a heart-like beat, bright costumes (almost always including distinctive head gear), extremely fast foot work and a simple but charming story. Continue reading Mexican Folk Dance
Oaxacan Artist Enrique Flores Shines with Philanthropy
By Alvin Starkman M.A., J.D.
Enrique Flores is one of the most prolific Mexican artists of his generation. Of course having been mentored by the late great master of Mexican art, Rodolfo Morales, hasn’t hurt; nor has the fact some of Oaxaca’s most prominent art galleries have served as his patrons for many years. But there’s no substitute for hard work, talent, vision and philanthropy. Continue reading Oaxacan Artist Enrique Flores Shines with Philanthropy
A Reading Journey Continues: Reflections on 2014 and Anticipating 2015
By Carole Reedy
Looking back and looking forward, two favorite exercises as the year turns. Now is the time readers make lists of books they’ve read, and then make more lists of books they want to read. Newspapers, magazines, and internet sites are filled with “best of” lists along with tantalizing speculation about newly published works. Continue reading A Reading Journey Continues: Reflections on 2014 and Anticipating 2015
Dedicated to Dance
By Brooke Gazer
Teresa Sanchez is one of several interesting professionals who have chosen to call Huatulco home. When the prima ballerina from Puebla accepted the position of principal dancer and choreographer for the Barceló Hotel she planned to spend a couple of years before moving on. However, she was seduced by the agreeable climate and gorgeous beaches and twelve years later not only is she a permanent resident she is an important asset to the community. Continue reading Dedicated to Dance
Healing Dance
By Kary Vannice
Have you ever noticed how you feel when you dance? Happy…
light…free? You feel less burdened by the stresses of life, it puts a smile on your face, and the whole world seems- better somehow.
It’s that feeling we all experience, innately, when we move rhythmically (or even un-rhythmically) on which the entire foundation of dance therapy is based. Dance is being shown to heal both physical and emotional illness in dramatic ways. Continue reading Healing Dance
Muxes
By Julie Etra
This article is a continuation of the ‘Same Sex Marriage in Mexico’ article written for the Eye last year (February 2014). Please forgive any inaccuracies, as this article is based on a face-to-face interview, several, publications, and research in Spanish conducted on the web. Continue reading Muxes
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