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The Blue Morphos News

Maria Pilar Rosell to present talk on new book at Manor Club on May 2, 2023

Blue Morphos Team · April 17, 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/

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More About Colombian Birds

Blue Morphos Team · March 26, 2023 ·

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.

Photos courtesy of German Rodriguez Fandino
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

Blue Morphos Team · March 25, 2023 ·

“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’. 

Tumbaga Dancers

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/

More About Orchids

Blue Morphos Team · February 25, 2023 ·

Orchids are important in the Andes for a number of reasons. First, they are a key element of Andean plant life. The Andes are home to an astounding 15% of the world’s plant species, despite making up only 1% of the earth’s surface. Orchids make up a significant portion of this diversity, with over 2,000 species found in the Andes alone.

Pictures courtesy Piero Jardinero

Second, orchids play an important role in the ecosystem. They provide food and shelter for a variety of animals, including insects, birds, and mammals. They also help to improve soil quality and water retention.

Third, orchids are economically important. They are a major source of income for many people in the Andes, who sell them as cut flowers, houseplants, and for medicinal purposes.

Finally, orchids are culturally important. They are often used in traditional medicine and ceremonies. They are also featured in art, music, and literature.

The Andes are a unique and important region for orchids. They are home to a wide variety of species, play an important role in the ecosystem, and are economically and culturally significant.

Here are some additional details about the importance of orchids in the Andes:

  • Orchids are a major source of income for many people in the Andes. They are sold as cut flowers, houseplants, and for medicinal purposes.
  • Orchids are also used in traditional medicine and ceremonies. They are believed to have a variety of medicinal properties, including the ability to treat infections, inflammation, and pain.
  • Orchids are featured in art, music, and literature. They are often used as symbols of beauty, love, and fertility.

The Andes are a beautiful and diverse region, and orchids are one of its most important treasures.

One person from the Andes who knows their orchids is Piero Jardinero. Find out more about him and his orchids at https://www.pierojardinero.com/ or follow him on instagram @pierojardinero.

Folk Tales from the Andes

Blue Morphos Team · January 24, 2023 ·

The Andes mountains are home to a rich and diverse culture, with many different stories passed down from generation to generation. Here is one such story:

Once upon a time, there was a young girl named María who lived in a small village in the Andes. María was a kind and caring girl, but she was also very poor. One day, María was walking in the forest when she came across a beautiful butterfly. The butterfly was blue, with iridescent wings that sparkled in the sunlight. María had never seen anything so beautiful, and she was immediately captivated.

The butterfly fluttered away, and María chased after it. She chased it through the forest, and up the mountain, and into the clouds. Finally, the butterfly landed on a flower, and María was able to catch it. She held it in her hand, and she was filled with joy.

The butterfly spoke to María, and told her that it was a magical creature. The butterfly said that it could grant her one wish, anything she wanted. María thought for a moment, and then she wished for a better life for her family. The butterfly smiled, and then it disappeared.

The next day, María went to her village and found that everything had changed. Her house was now a large, beautiful mansion, and her family was now wealthy. María was so happy, and she knew that it was all thanks to the butterfly.

María never saw the butterfly again, but she never forgot it. She always remembered the kindness and generosity of the butterfly, and she always remembered the lesson that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference.

This story is a reminder that even in the most difficult times, there is always hope. A small act of kindness can make a big difference, and it is important to never give up on your dream

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