Taking Flight
Vista L.A. talks to longtime trapeze artist Richie Gaona, whose family spans three generations of trapeze artists, going back to his grandfather who performed with the circus in Mexico. After spending fifteen years with the Ringling Brothers Circus, Richie came to L.A. to become a stuntman and now trains others on the trapeze in his own backyard at "Richie's Trapeze Workshop."
Link: www.flytrapeze.com
- Video: Trapeze artist Richie Gaona
Frijolitos: Bilingual Page Turner
In 2002, The Barrios Family from the city of Montebello created "Frijolitos - Viva La Cultura!" which is a collection of educational, bilingual books and plush toys embracing Latino culture, Latin American history and touching on universal themes that all children can relate to and learn from. The "Frijolitos" business is family owned and operated. The culturally enriching products have been well received by the Los Angeles community and are available at multiple book stores and boutiques.
Link: www.frijolitosinc.com
Yola: The Magic of Classical Music
"Youth Orchestra L.A." (YOLA) is a music program for children in underserved neighborhoods of Los Angeles, primarily in Central and South L.A. Under the direction of incoming LA Philharmonic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel and LA Philharmonic President Deborah Borda, the mission of Youth Orchestra L.A. is to put instruments in the hands of children and give them the best quality instruction by creating new ensemble programs, all free of cost. Another key goal in cultivating the student orchestra members is to instill life-long values, such as discipline and teamwork.
Link: www.laphil.com
- Video: Gustavo Dudamel and YOLA
Ballet Academy: A Wonderland Of Ballet
Seventeen years ago Mario Nugara created "City of Angels Ballet," a non-profit dance academy located in Silverlake, which teaches boys and girls the art of classical ballet. Dance instruction and fancy costumes are offered free of cost to children, ages seven to 18, from various underserved Los Angeles neighborhoods. Since 1993, more than 20,000 children have come through the doors at "City of Angels Ballet." The classes are taught by founder and Artistic Director Mario Nugara, a professional dancer himself, who not only gives children an opportunity to learn all aspects of ballet, but who also transports them to a magical place where they feel like princes and princesses -- even if it's only for a short while.
Link: www.cityofangelsballet.org
Culture and Tradition
El Centro Cultural de Mexico in Orange County is carrying on Latin American cultural traditions in dance, music and art. The unique center in Orange County offers the public an open space to explore their cultural interests and empower themselves to make change in their community.
Link: www.el-centro.org
- Video: El Centro Cultural de Mexico
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