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Documentary ‘Between a Tango and a Danzón’ Explores Cuban Dance Culture

(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)April 9, 2018

MAHWAH, N.J. — A screening and discussion of “Between a Tango and a Danzón,” a documentary film directed and produced by Ramapo College Professor Marta N. Bautís, will be held on Thursday, April 12 at 11 a.m. in the H-Wing Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

“Between a Tango and a Danzón” explores the cultural and historical influences of these two musical genres in Cuba’s society today. Filmed in the cities of Havana, Matanzas and Gibara, this 60-minute documentary includes scenes with dancers, singers, and musicians in neighborhood peñas and milongas. Archival footage of legendary danzón and tango artists, such as Barbarito Diez, Carlos Gardel or Libertad Lamarque, add a nostalgic feeling. Through testimonies and interviews, the film reveals the efforts to revitalize the danzón, Cuban national dance, and to attract the youth to this genre by mixing it with different rhythms, including jazz. Many of the interviewees highlight the need to increase the promotion of danzón and tango by the Cuban media. Both of these musical genres are considered part of the cultural patrimony of Cuba.

The screening will be followed by a performance. Refreshments will be served. This event is sponsored by the School of Contemporary Arts and a College Platinum Grant. For information, contact Professor Bautis at mbautis@ramapo.edu

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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