Shake Your Booty This Saturday with Raíces Cultural Center

By Ashley Casatelli

Photos by Mike Shanahan

Last Saturday proceeded according to schedule (for the most part); I ate a bagel, drank too much coffee, and then I put a long, gauzy skirt over my jeans and dove into a culturally diverse dance class, all before 2 p.m.  I had only intended on accompanying two of my moxieTODAY cohorts to the Hub City Teen Center, to watch one of the The Raíces Cultural Center’s dance classes, however, merely watching was not going to be acceptable.  For about three minutes, I observed Nicole Wines, a director of The Raíces Cultural Center and dance instructor, lead four of her students in whirling around the dance floor.  The liquid movements of their skirts, was captivating and incredibly soothing to the eyes, but before I knew it, Nicole was graciously inviting me into their group.  The thought of myself dancing, was definitely not soothing to my brain, so boring me declined on account of my jeans.  Without missing a beat, Nicole was digging in her bag, and handing me a tank top and one of those great skirts.

Despite my initial apprehension, I was having fun almost instantly.  The class and the overall space were both welcoming, and less intimidating than other classes I have taken in the past.  There was no barre, or uncomfortable shoes, and the teacher did not demand you wear tights.  In fact quite the opposite was true, the dancers danced on the floor, some disregarding their shoes all together, and were dressed in sweats.  This laid back was vibe was very appealing to me; with all the extras eliminated it was much easier to focus on the reason for being there, to dance.

Dancer and Director, Nicole Wines

My favorite aspect of the class is it’s originality.  Instead of focusing on one style of dance, the dances of many different cultures are blended, creating dynamic movements.  Nicole explains where she draws her inspiration, “The cultural fusion comes from folkloric dances from the Caribbean such as Orisha dance, bomba, plena, son, rumba, samba and more fused with contemporary genres such as hip-hop and salsa (Cuban music).  These dances originated from a fusion of African, Spanish and Indigenous cultures in the Caribbean and their evolution throughout the diaspora.”  The Adult Cultural Fusion Dance Class (ages 16 and up) is $10 and is offered Saturday afternoons from 1-2 p.m.  Another class option will be made available March 23rd, Orishaerobics: an experimental fusion of West African, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Reggaeton, and hip-hop, that is “guaranteed to make you break a sweat.”  This class will be held Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. and will cost $10.   She is not kidding about the sweating, as much as the fusion class is a great expressive outlet, it is also an incredible work out.  Two days after the class I am still feeling its effects; muscles I was once unaware of having, are sore.  I would suggest this class to anyone interested in spicing up their boring gym routine, it is much more exciting than ellipticalling your life away, I promise.

Hands of Francisco Gomez, musician and director

The class also maintains its upbeat feeling from the live music provided by musician and Raíces’ director, Francisco Gomez, along with other musicians.  The mini-band performed right beside the dancers, keeping the music and dance connected.  As a beginner, I appreciated that the musicians played the beats slowly at first, allowing everyone to familiarize themselves with the steps, and gradually sped up as we became comfortable with the moves.  The same holds true with other classes, “All Raices Cultural Center dance classes are accompanied by live drumming.  It is the drum that brings tone, flavor, and makes the body alive with song, dance and rhythm”, Francisco says.  For those interested in a music, percussion classes are available for $10 from 10:30-11:30 on Saturdays, however, interested students must call to pre-register for these classes.

The Raíces Cultural Center’s dance classes are also available for children and teens.  The Cultural Fusion classes for children are Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. and an Intermediate Class is offered Saturdays from 12-1 p.m. Both classes are $5.

This approaching Saturday,March 13, is a class for Cultural Fusion beginners, I will be one of them, you should be too.  This class is ideal for first-timers, as well as experienced dancers looking to expand their craft by embracing the dance of various cultures.  In either case, Francisco reminds us, “Dance is for everyone!  Let the guard down!  Come out and shake the booty!”  So why not shake the booty at The Raíces Cultural Center in the Hub City Teen Center Dance Studio, 411 Joyce Kilmer Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901.  New students should arrive ten minutes early to fill out the one time registration form (there is no fee for registration).  Wearing loose fitting clothing and bringing water are also suggested to students.  For pre-registration, further questions, or information call (908) 227-5671, (732) 236-7618, or email raices@raicesculturalcenter.org