About
TUMBAGA
Who We are
‘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.
Our Team
ARMANDO MORENO
CEO/PRESIDENT
Was born in Colombia. He began his studies in folkloric dance with the ‘Ballet of Anibal Salazar Soto’. His talent as a dancer earned him first place to represent the State of Caldas in the National Competition of Folklore in Santa Fe de Bogota. In 1983 in the city of Pereira he participated in various artistic events with Casa de la Cultura, and was awarded first place in a modern dance competition. He arrived to the U.S. in 1987 and joined the dance troupe ‘Danzas Internacionales’ directed by Ms.Fanny Escobar as Assistant Choreographer. During his participation with the dance troupe he studies Spanish dance and toured the country as an understudy. He continued his dance training with various folkloric dance groups such as ‘The Mexican Folkloric Ballet of NY’, ‘Ballet Alma Ecuatoriana’ , and ‘Ballet Estampas Negras of Colombia’. All within a period of ten years. Mr.Moreno’s experience and leadership qualities has made him the perfect candidate to continue pursuing cultural activities in America.
WILSON FERNANDO MESA
VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR
Vice President and director of our production team. Born in Medellin Colombia . His interest for cultural arts began at an early age at the workshops of 'Leonardo Da Vinci' intermediate school in Queens NY. Graduated from the high school of 'Art and Design' in Manhattan NY with a major in architectural drafting and liberal arts. Practices at the Designers and Decorators building. Performed with major folk dance companies for over two decades as a dancer in the Tri-state area. Credits include: The Association Of Latin Critics For Entertainment , Hispanic Parade Committee , NYC library for the Arts... The Colombian Dance Company of New York 'TUMBAGA' recognizes his artistry in costume design and props which enhances each one of our productions .
ALEXANDER GONZALES
SECRETARY
Was born in Colombia and began his dance training at the age of 9 at "Incolballet Colombia". A t the age of 15, Mr Gonzales trained with the cuban choreographers , Gladiz Gonzales and Antonio Sanchez at Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia. He continued his studies at the "Alma Mater in Havana Cuba. Alexander joined "Mestizo" The Colombian Dance
MARIA PILAR ROSELL
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Producer, Dancer and Community Leader, born in San Gil, Colombia, she attended Queens College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science. While working at the New York Hall of Science as Programmer and Weekend Manager, she received the Citation of Honor award from the Office of the Borough President of Queens, which recognized her leadership and civic contributions to the sciences and arts in Queens. She studied ballet, flamenco and Colombian dances and had the opportunity to perform at various cultural institutions, colleges and in San Gil, Colombia for their 300 years Anniversary.
JULIAN AMEZQUITA
CHOREOGRAPHER
Colombian dancer and choreographer, has been part of the creative team of ‘Mestizo Dance Company’ since 2005, now ‘The Colombian Dance Company of New York’. His Professional credits include National Ballet of Colombia (2002), Broadway Dance Center NYC (2004), Miss New York Latina (2008), and choreographies for international media such as RCN Networks, Univision Networks and Telemundo Networks.