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Background Information

In one branch of Afro-Cuban dance known as Bailes de Santería the dancers interpret different Orishas. The Orishas are the deities of the religion, specific to Cuba, known as Santería. Santería had its beginnings during the colonization of Cuba when the slaves syncretised their Yoruban gods with Catholic saints in order to continue practicing their faith unbeknownst to their owners. The interpretation of the Orishas through dance and music has developed into two branches: one is specifically religious and the other is solely artistic. Iré Omó is focussed on presenting the latter.

The principal Orishas, or deities, can be likened to the ancient Greek pantheon of gods in that they each have dominion over specific elements and aspects of nature and in that there exist many myths regarding their interaction with one another. The songs and rhythms narrate different events in the lives of the Orishas or are hymns praising their powers. The dances that accompany this music are pantomimic and specific steps correspond to each rhythm. The dancers wear costumes specific to each Orisha and carry some of the items attributed to them. Some dance movements represent the hunt, others war or divine punishment of wrongdoers and others agricultural activity.

YEMAYÁ

Yemayá is syncretised with the Virgen de Regla in Cuba. She is the goddess of universal maternity and owner of the sea. Her attribute is the Abebe (a fan made of peacock feathers) and her colour is blue in all its hues. In her dances Yemayá imitates the movements of the sea; the waves that die softly in the beaches or the violent whirlpools and waves of the stormy sea.

SHANGÓ

Shangó is syncretised with Santa Barbara in Cuba. He is the god of virility, the drum, thunder, lightning and fire. His attribute is a double-headed hatchet and his colour is red. Shangó’s dances are either erotic or war-like. In his erotic dances, his mime attempts to emphasize his virility by frequently gesturing toward his pelvis while in his warrior dances he brandishes his hatchet and pretends to spit fire.

SOBRE EL GRUPO IRÉ OMÓ

Iré Omó Afro-Cuban Drum and Dance Ensemble es un grupo de Toronto que fue creado en el mes de Mayo del 2000, bajo la dirección general de la bailarina, profesora y coreógrafa cubana Sarita Leyva. El grupo se dedica a cultivar bailes, música y cantos de origen afro-cubano, tales como, Yoruba, Congo, Arará, Abakuá, Afro-Haitiano así como otros rítmos horiundos de Cuba como la Rumba, Bailes Campesinos, Comparsa, Pilón, Mozambique, entre otros.

Los integrantes del del grupo son bailarines y musicos Cubanos y Canadienses,que a lo largo de sus trayectorias artisticas han estudiado,explorado e interpretado todos estos ritmos asi como otros generos de la musica y la danza.

ABOUT IRÉ OMÓ

Iré Omó Afro-Cuban Drum and Dance Ensemble was founded in Toronto in May 2000, under the direction of Cuban teacher dancer and choreographer Sarita Leyva. The ensemble is dedicated to researching and developing the traditions of Afro -Cuban music through the performance and teaching of dances, music and songs of Afro-Cuban origin, such as Yoruba, Congo, Arara, Abakua, Afro Haitian and some other indigenous rhythms of Cuba, (Rumba, Bailes Campesinos, Comparsa, Pilon, Mozambique, etc.).

Iré Omó’s vision is to provide entertainment and education demonstrating the connections and influences that the Afro – Cuban culture has had and continues to have on American culture. Our mission is to preserve the integrity and authenticity of the Afro – Cuban culture through performances, demonstrations and workshops.

With roots style singing, drumming and dancing Iré Omó will introduce you to the universe of gods, magic and African-rooted rituals.

The members of the ensemble are Cuban and Canadian musicians and dancers, who throughout their artistic trajectories have studied, explored and interpreted all these rythms as well as other genres of music and dance.

Iré Omó has performed at:

· Sprint 2001 Art Odyssey, Open City, Toronto

· Mardi Gras Celebration, Anglican Church of the Incarnation, Oakville

· Muhtadi’s International Drum Festival, Queen’s Park, Toronto

· Studios Livan Expo 2001, Gallery 1313, Toronto

· The Power of the Rhythm, University of Toronto

About the director:

SARITA LEYVA

Phone: (416) 535-9125 E-mail: Ireomo@ireomo.com

Sara Leyva began her dance career at the age of seven in Holguin, Cuba. She later moved to Havana where she completed her formal studies and examinations in classical ballet, modern dance, and folkloric dance and choreography at the Cuban National School of Arts (ENA).

She subsequently worked as an instructor at a variety of performing arts schools and cultural institutions, all the while maintaining an active dance career, both in Cuba and internationally, Sarita now resides in Toronto, Canada.

Presently, Sara is the Artistic Director of Ire Omo Afrocuban Drum and Dance Ensemble and works as a dance instructor at the Harbourfront Community Centre, the Etobicoke School of the Arts, and The Spanish Centre.

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