Through the use of the writings of Latina writers, students will get pictures of Caribbean culture among Latinos that persists whether they return or not to their respective islands. Though a partial investigation will be made of the larger picture among them, students will also see the historical aspects that have molded and shaped the lives of Latina women and how those molds are being refashioned amid more modern times where education, politics, and economics play a crucial part.
Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic share historical similarities and language. Colonial rulership by Spain, slavery, and struggles for economic or independence are prevalent factors of all the islands mentioned. But each island has maintained its own flavor that distinguishes each from he other. Galeria de Pinturas aims to celebrate the differences and commonalities of all three through a program of music, poetry, and dance flavored with dramatic scenes.
The use of improvisation and tableau will enable students to bring their historical research to life. Oral histories, essays, and novel excerpts will help the students bring realism into their enactments. Music is a vital component of the curriculum since dance will be features in the final showcase. Dance is a universal way to show pictures. sTudents will listen to popular Latin music and learn basic steps of dances like the danza, la bomba, plena, seis, meringue, and salsa. The dances will be incorporated into the final choreography.
Seniors from Casa Otonal (this organization located in New Haven operates a bilingual and bicultural senior center with apartment units for the elderly), visit the school and bring traditional musical instruments from Puerto Rico.
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Notes
Lillian Castillo Speed, Latina; women’s voices from the borderland. 1995 pg 17
Bernadette M. Orr, Americas-study guide1993 pp 76-77
Ibid
Ibid
Network of Educators on the Americas Caribbean Connections 1998 pp 138-141
Ibid
Network of educators on the Americas Caribbean Connections pp 100-101
Ibid
