Sabrosura

Sabrosura, an energetic twist on the Spanish word for "flavor," is a student-led performance group that came to fruition in the Fall of 2000 through the vision and dedication of two exceptional Duke alumni: Denise Pozzerle and Jeannette Ocampo. As former president of Mi Gente - Duke's Latino Student Association - Ms. Pozzerle took to the task of forming an unofficial team of dancers from amongst the organization's general body in order to accommodate the growing number of requests received from outside sources for a more comprehensive showcase of Latin American culture at Duke. It was also hoped the experience would provide students with the unique opportunity to improve their dancing abilities while intermingling in a lively, carefree environment. The team was named Sabrosura, and after a series of successful on-campus performances, Ms. Pozzerle was approached by freshman Jeannette Ocampo with the idea of steering the group onto a more structured path. Ms. Ocampo offered to instruct the members in rueda de casino, a style of salsa that originated in Havana, Cuba during the 1960s. In the Spring of 2001, after only fifteen days of rehearsals, Sabrosura was invited to perform for the very first time in Page Auditorium. As fate would have it, Sabrosura was honored for its efforts with a front-page feature in the Chronicle on the subsequent day. The rest, as they say, is history.

Now in its tenth season, Sabrosura is recognized as Duke University's official Latin dance troupe as well as an independent cultural establishment that retains amicable relations with its mother organization, Mi Gente.

The crux of Sabrosura's mission statement revolves around a deep-seated desire to utilize the medium of performance art as a tool for the preservation and enhancement of multiculturalism at Duke and within the neighboring Durham community.

A recurring presence at an array of cultural events held on Duke's campus, Sabrosura has been featured in such main stage productions as Diya's Awaaz, Mi Gente's Mezcla, and the Springternational festival. Furthermore, the group has received frequent invitations for guest performances from fellow dance troupes, a capella ensembles, and residential living groups. Sabrosura also has a showcase of their own, taking place late in the spring semester, which highlights the troupe's extensive selection of pieces from the past year in a vibrant celebration of the rich, colorful heritage of the people of Latin America.







			09.04.09 SALSA ON THE STEPS Time: Lesson beginning at 8pm Location: The Duke Chapel Steps Other Info: Sabro/Mi Gente's Salsa on the Steps is a latin flavored open air dance party. We will have food, drink, DJ, lots of spicy salsa and also a short salsa lesson beforehand. !!!09.13.09 TRYOUTS!!!

	Sabrosura, an energetic twist on the Spanish word for "flavor," is a student-led performance group that came to fruition in the Fall of 2000 through the vision and dedication of two exceptional Duke alumni: Denise Pozzerle and Jeannette Ocampo. As former president of Mi Gente - Duke's Latino Student Association - Ms. Pozzerle took to the task of forming an unofficial team of dancers from amongst the organization's general body in order to accommodate the growing number of requests received from outside sources for a more comprehensive showcase of Latin American culture at Duke. It was also hoped the experience would provide students with the unique opportunity to improve their dancing abilities while intermingling in a lively, carefree environment. The team was named Sabrosura, and after a series of successful on-campus performances, Ms. Pozzerle was approached by freshman Jeannette Ocampo with the idea of steering the group onto a more structured path. Ms. Ocampo offered to instruct the members in rueda de casino, a style of salsa that originated in Havana, Cuba during the 1960s. In the Spring of 2001, after only fifteen days of rehearsals, Sabrosura was invited to perform for the very first time in Page Auditorium. As fate would have it, Sabrosura was honored for its efforts with a front-page feature in the Chronicle on the subsequent day. The rest, as they say, is history. Now in its tenth season, Sabrosura is recognized as Duke University's official Latin dance troupe as well as an independent cultural establishment that retains amicable relations with its mother organization, Mi Gente. The crux of Sabrosura's mission statement revolves around a deep-seated desire to utilize the medium of performance art as a tool for the preservation and enhancement of multiculturalism at Duke and within the neighboring Durham community. A recurring presence at an array of cultural events held on Duke's campus, Sabrosura has been featured in such main stage productions as Diya's Awaaz, Mi Gente's Mezcla, and the Springternational festival. Furthermore, the group has received frequent invitations for guest performances from fellow dance troupes, a capella ensembles, and residential living groups. Sabrosura also has a showcase of their own, taking place late in the spring semester, which highlights the troupe's extensive selection of pieces from the past year in a vibrant celebration of the rich, colorful heritage of the people of Latin America. At present, Sabrosura specializes in a wide variety of dance forms including, but not limited to: salsa, merengue, bachata, cha cha, tango, flamenco, samba, reggaeton, lambada, and cumbia. Having endured unprecedented growth with regard to the sheer size and diversity of its membership, as well as the breadth of its creative repertoire, Sabrosura hopes to continue to inspire and entertain those members of the Duke and Durham communities that cherish the passion and excitement so unmistakably characteristic of Latin dance.	Sabrosura's primary dance form is that of Rueda de Casino, a style of salsa that originated in the dance salons, or casinos, of Havana, Cuba during the 1960s.Essentially, Rueda de Casino involves pairs dancing in a rueda, or "wheel," as a designated lider, or "caller," randomly shouts out a variety of moves for the dancers to perform on the spot. Many of the rueda moves can also be signaled through hand gestures, a method used to help pairs move in unison while dancing in noisy nightclubs. The names of the most common rueda moves (i.e. Balsero, Sombrero) are called in Spanish and carry a range of social and cultural implications recognized by Hispanics throughout the world. In recent years, Rueda de Casino has gained widespread popularity outside of Cuba - a phenomenon that has given birth to increasingly diverse styling and movements. From the pulsating discotheques of Miami Beach to the center stage of Duke University's Page Auditorium, Rueda de Casino will continue to entice onlookers with its sensual manner, impulsive movements, and sanguine declarations.



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