This spring, Jacob's Pillow Dance and MASS MoCA will co-present one of Cuba's most celebrated music and dance groups, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. Blending African roots with Latin American influences, this ensemble of performers features 16 drummers, vocalists, and dancers from three generations of one family who interpret the "Guaguanco," a variant of the most famous form of rumba usually danced by a couple. This style of rumba represents a flirtatious game and includes a distinctive body movement called vacunao (pelvic thrust by the male dancer) which is also found in other African-based dances from Latin America. This program marks the first time Los Muñequitos de Matanzas has returned to the U.S. in nearly 10 years.
Established in 1952 in Mantanzas, Cuba, the group originally formed as a neighborhood ensemble of musicians and percussionists, integrating dancers in 1965. In 1956, they were invited to perform on radio and television, which led to their first released album. International tours began in 1989, as the company performed in England, Canada, Central America, South America, and Europe, making their U.S. debut in 1992. They first appeared at the Pillow in 1994 and returned in 1999.
In 2001, the group, along with a number of other Cuban artists, received the Latin Grammy Award for Best Folk Album for their collaboration of El All-Stars de La Rumba Cubana - La Rumba Soy Yo. In 2003, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas' 50th anniversary album, Rumba De Corazón, was named Best Folk Music Album at the 7th International Cubadisco Fair and was nominated for Best Folk Album at the Latin Grammy Awards. Since then, they have received two additional Latin Grammy nominations.
Los Muñequitos de Matanzas is recognized throughout the world as a vital force in the preservation and dissemination of Cuban culture's African roots. The ensemble members are choreographers and composers who continue to create new work, explore and collaborate with other genres, travel, and share their authentic music and dance culture with audiences around the world.
When: April 30 at 8pm & May 1 at 2pm
Where: Hunter Center at MASS MoCA
Tickets: $29 orchestra, $25 mezzanine, $10 students and children
To Order: MASS MoCA Box Office hours are Wednesday through Monday, 11am-5pm.
Order by phone: 413.662.2111. Order online: www.massmoca.org.
The MASS MoCA Box Office is located at 87 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA 01247.
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