Ay Candela!

Last fall, the Buena Vista Social Club was on tour. My wife, my oldest son, and his wife and I went to see them. That’s an understatement! Going to the Buena Vista Social Club is a full workout experience. Well before the middle of the concert, many of us were up dancing in front of our seats or in the aisles. The people in front of us scooted into the aisles and started showing off some impressive moves. I was no slouch either. I’m afraid my poor wife didn’t know what to make of it. She’d never seen me in full Latino mode. It doesn’t happen often.

Growing up in a Spanish-speaking family, weekend get-togethers could be a melee of dancing, dancing styles, and varied musical traditions: Puerto Rican, Cuban, Mexican, or whatever appeared in the New York City Latin American scene.

My uncle was the one who would intelligently pick apart the traditions. My father just wanted to dance. Now, if the ladies were tired, but the men still wanted to Cha Cha, you might see a bit of male solo dancing—right hand over the stomach, left hand held up. Watch the dance steps!

At home, of course, the stories would flow. My grandfather ( the carver and model maker) was an accomplished player of Latin dance music on guitar and the seis. A Saturday night could be an awesome event.

All these things ran through my head as I made my moves at the concert hall.

Ay Candela, Candela, Candela me quemo ae

Ay Candela, Candela, Candela me quemo ae

Ay Candela, Candela, Candela me quemo ae

Ay Candela, Candela, Candela me quemo ae

Puso un baile una jutía, para una gran diversión