Latin Ballet of Virginia’s ‘Son Corazon’ offers history lesson you can dance to

The Latin Ballet of Virginia has a knack for telling stories -- colorful, rhythmic, entertaining stories that delve into sometimes unpleasant aspects of history and that touch the heart.

The latest production, "Son Corazon" (literally, "they are heart," or figuratively, heart strings), is a 2-hour history lesson and celebration of Afro-Cuban music and dance, with the emphasis on celebration.

Based on interviews with Cubans living in the U.S. and interspersed with Hispanic poetry (some translated into English and some not -- this is where the program was helpful), "Son Corazon" begins at the crossroads of Spain, Africa, and the Amazon.

The first act is a mostly chronological survey of the development of Afro-Cuban rhythms and dance. For the expulsion of the Gypsies from Spain in the 15th and 16th centuries, for instance, choreographer and artistic director Ana Ines King has the dancers dressed in traditional dresses -- but with their faces veiled in gauzy fabric. The Gypsies are clad in bright colors and move with a sultry blend of Middle Eastern, Spanish, and African dance steps.

Not content to rest long in one geographical location, "Son Corazon" explores not just the influences that came into and merged in Cuba, but also the music and movement that came out of Cuba -- the merecumbé, the cha-cha-chá, the guarache, the bolero, culminating in the salsa. King performed a hot salsa with company member Kevin LaMarr Jones to a music mix that includes the likes of Celia Cruz and Mongo Santamaria. King, dressed in a form-fitting catsuit, and Jones are easy partners -- except when King landed somewhat awkwardly on the floor.

"Bolero en la Playa" featured three 1950s bathing beauties, Melissa Philips, Allison LaNeave and Lauren Davis, dressed in wide brimmed hats and those swimsuits that have a skirted panel, strutting and striking glamorous poses.

Latino family life was depicted as well, including the effect of Communist rule, and the desperate attempts of some to send their children to the U.S. at any cost. One of the most striking sections in the second act was Will Sterling Walker's solo, "Mi Bandera" (My Flag). Walker sped across the stage as if it were the beginning of the Olympics, carrying a full-sized Cuban flag on a flag pole. The flag whipped in the air, making a distinctive sound, and although he bore the colors in a most unorthodox manner, following flag protocol, never once did the flag touch the floor.

There were moments on Friday's opening program when the energy level of the ensemble was lower than required. These segments included both the 10-member professional company and about 30 members of the junior company, ranging from little tykes to teens of varying abilities. The program ended with an upbeat finale celebrating the music of the late Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, that brought the dancers into the audience and some of the audience onto the stage.

Julinda Lewis is a dancer, teacher, and writer living in eastern Henrico County. She can be contacted at .