
News from Westchester’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Launch1000 Grad Celebrates Book Launch
Pelham author and Launch1000 grad Maria Pilar Rosell will celebrate the launch of her new book, Blue Morphos – Untold Stories from the Andes, during a lunch program at The Manor Club in Pelham on Tuesday, May 2 at 12:30 PM. RSVP for the event by Friday, April 28 at 12:00 PM by calling (914) 738-1528.
About the book:
Explore the Andes mountains with these five short stories about families, culture, flora and fauna. A twist will present itself in these magical folktales, so beware of the supernatural lurking in the dark when night falls…or in plain sight.
Blue Morphos – Untold Stories from the Andes by M.P. Rosell will be available at the end of this week on Amazon.
Maria Pilar Rosell to present talk on new book at Manor Club on May 2, 2023

This will be a great program. OPEN to the PUBLIC! Join for lunch $30 or program at 1:30 tea afterward $15. Call for reservations 914 -738-2815.
See the article here: https://pelhamexaminer.com/56716/showcase/maria-pilar-rosell-to-present-talk-on-new-book-at-manor-club-on-may-2/
More About Colombian Birds
Colombia is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The country is home to over 1,900 species of birds, more than any other country in South America. Colombia’s birds are found in a wide variety of habitats, from the high Andes to the Amazon rainforest.

Naturalist & Photographer

Some of the most popular birds to see in Colombia include:
- The Andean cock-of-the-rock: This brightly colored bird is found in the high Andes. It is known for its elaborate courtship display.
- The toucan: These large birds are found in a variety of habitats, from the rainforest to the savanna. They are known for their long, colorful beaks.
- The hummingbird: Colombia is home to more than 160 species of hummingbirds, more than any other country in the world. These tiny birds are known for their beauty and their ability to fly backwards.
- The macaw: These large, colorful birds are found in the Amazon rainforest. They are known for their intelligence and their ability to mimic human speech.
- The harpy eagle: This powerful bird of prey is found in the Amazon rainforest. It is the largest and most powerful eagle in the Americas.
Colombia is a great place to go birdwatching, and there are many different places to see birds. Some of the best places to birdwatch in Colombia include:
- The National Natural Park of Los Nevados: This park is located in the high Andes and is home to a variety of birds, including the Andean cock-of-the-rock.
- The Tayrona National Park: This park is located on the Caribbean coast and is home to a variety of birds, including the toucan and the hummingbird.
- The Amazon rainforest: This vast rainforest is home to a variety of birds, including the macaw and the harpy eagle.
If you are interested in birdwatching, Colombia is a great place to visit. There are many different places to see birds, and the country is home to a wide variety of species. These photos are courtsey of German Rodriguez Fandino, Naturalist & Photographer.
More About Dancers
“Mestizo’ which refers to the blend of the African, Spaniard, and Indian; is a Dance Company founded by Armando Moreno, director and choreographer, in the year 1999; with the intention of showcasing the artistic character of the Colombian folklore. Since, it has had an extensive repertoire presented by creative choreography, eccentric costumes, and a cast of energetic dancers who with enthusiasm an artistry present Latin Folklore and make their program an exciting, colorful and a learning experience. Presentations consist of an extensive repertoire full of color, energy, dynamism, passion, vigor, drive, spirit and exuberance. ‘A FEAST FOR THE MIND’.



For the past nineteen years Mr. Moreno has taught Colombian and Latin dance to young and adults who have found their passion and a way to maintain a healthy mind. His direction and goal sought ways to expand his vision by turning it into a non for profit organization. ‘Mestizo Dance Inc’ is now authorized by the NYS Department of State Division Corporation since May 2016.
Now its funding board has created a sub-brand which is what represents the nature, quality, character and essence of the dance company; ‘TUMBAGA * THE COLOMBIAN DANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK’. In a formal and public way we are officially such organization.
Mission
The mission of ‘Mestizo Dance Inc.’ – ‘TUMBAGA.’ is to showcase Colombian heritage and Latin folklore through music and dance by promoting it into the diverse cultures within our communities and motivating an audience to share their own culture and be part of the extraordinary, unconventional, eccentric, adaptable, flexible, multifaceted, resourceful and versatile society that we all share on a daily basis. We seek to maintain, teach, motivate, promote and exhibit the splendor of dance tradition. We are about the transmission of customs and beliefs being handed down from generation to generation, ‘tradition’.
History
When ‘Mestizo’ was created it did so with the purpose to present Colombian culture through dance in New York City. Modesty aside it has been a great accomplishment. We have been invited to participate in many cultural events within the tri-state area for several communities. The contagious Colombian rhythms begun to evolved in New York City due to the high immigration in the past decades to the USA.
Gradually the dance company began to grow due to the disposition of cast members that have been performing for years and who have contributed to enhance our productions by making our artistic pieces more representative. We also managed to captivate the interest of community leaders and representatives who have given great reviews of our artistic display. Consequently we have gained recognitions at the level of the press and media. Among these recognitions from entities such as Association of Latin Entertainment of New York ‘ACE’, reviews from the ‘N.Y. Times’, Village Voice, Spanish Organization of Latin Actors ‘HOLA’, The Latin Press, Back Stage. Proclamations and citations of honor from Queens Borough Hall, by their Presidents Ms.Claire Shulman and Ms. Helen Marshall.
‘Mestizo’ has been growing and increasing its projection in the fullest meaning of the word. After having rehearsed in rented venues for years and having to comply with our goal at our own expense with hard work, a clear vision and ambition, we hope to achieve good fortune and continue to succeed as we have had. We have acquired a large inventory of costumes, props and accessories. We’ve worked long hours to meet our goal and keep our dream alive for the past years. Our biggest attribute is that our board, teachers, dancers and volunteers make a serious effort and find time to pursue their talent while we all still hold our jobs, school activities, and many both. We have embarked in our 2018 program with positive energy and diligence. Our new headquarters is something we have embraced for long. We seek to raise funds with each presentation so we can continue to promote, enjoy and be part of the arts.
“TUMBAGA” is the name that our Pre-Columbian cultures gave to the alloy of gold and copper to create their handicrafts and jewelry. These cultures are the solid foundation of cultural evolution in our regions. “The Colombian Dance Company of New York “honors the name TUMBAGA by showing on stage a fusion of different dance styles that showcase the artistic character of our Colombian Folklore, same as the fusion of metals in the process that exhibits a result called TUMBAGA.
Tumbaga is a talented and dedicated group of dancers who are passionate about preserving and promoting Colombian culture. The company’s performances are a joy to watch, and they offer a unique opportunity to learn about Colombian dance and culture. Get more info here: https://www.tumbagany.org/