SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 23, 2014 — Last night the Carnaval San Francisco 2014 Parade Winners were announced and celebrated at an event at Brava Theater Center in the Mission. A total of $5,000 in cash prizes and certificates were awarded to overall winners, as well as 6 performance categories. The following is a list of this year’s winners – congratulations!
GRAND PARADE GRAND PRIZE WINNER: FOGO NA ROUPA
Photo courtesty of John Tait
Fogo (fo–go) Na Roupa (ho–pah) (“Clothes on Fire”) Grupo Carnavalesco (car–na–val–LESS–co) is an award winning Brazilian Carnaval Dance and Percussion Company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Celebrating a quarter century of drumming and dancing, Fogo’s 2014 theme was “25 Years of Fire.” The various alas (wings) included the youth in Sparks of Fire and the dazzling Flames of Passion. Guest choreographer, Josephine Morada, was leading the Bahiana section, with the Whirlwinds of Fire in their flouncy shirts. Founded by the late Carlos Aceituno, Fogo Na Roupa is under the direction of Jose Rivera, Musical Director, and Metzi Henriquez, Artistic Director.
Find out more about Fogo Na Roupa here.
GRAND PARADE THIRD PLACE WINNER: SISTAS–WIT–STYLE
Photo courtesty of Bob Hirschfeld
Sistas–Wit–Style is a Caribbean Folk Performing Dance Company founded by three young ladies; Merissa Lyons(CEO), Valencia Newton (COO), & Kianna Rachal (CFO), and managed by Annabelle Goodridge. They are Oakland based and plan to teach, promote, and spread the Caribbean culture throughout the Bay Area. Sistas–Wit–Style is dedicated to providing youth, teens, & adults with a cultural experience that enables them to make a difference through dance.
Sistas–Wit–Style & Associates Carnival band celebrated its 10 year anniversary in Carnaval San Francisco. Their theme this year was "Caribbean Gladiators" symbolizing their strength and perseverance over the years.
Find out more about Sistas–Wit–Style here.
MEET OUR CARNAVAL SAN FRANCISCO 2014 QUEEN VALENCIA NEWTON & KING DELVIS SAVIGNE FRIÑON
Twenty contestants vied for the Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen crown in this year’s competition on April 26th and performed to a sold–out house at Brava Theater Center in San Francisco. The winners were Valencia Newton, this year’s Carnaval Queen, and Delvis Friñon, our King, who will serve as the official ambassadors of Carnaval San Francisco 2014, and lead the Grand Parade on May 25th.
King and Queen contestants competed in a 3–minute dance in Carnaval costumes, sometimes accompanied by other dancers and musicians. In a stylish, high-powered yet graceful display, Valencia Newton demonstrated her talents in Calypso, Caribbean, African and Samba dance along with her partner and King contestant Dave Dickson from Sistas–Wit–Style, accompanied by CD and live drumming from Val Serrant. Delvis Friñon, with his partner of one year, Fredrika Keefer, wowed the audience with a modern fusion dance filled with balletic leaps, mixed with Caribbean folk and Salsa!
About Queen Valencia Newton
Born of African American/Puerto Rican descent in Oakland, California, Valencia Newton was adopted by the Trinidad and Tobago community at an early age. She became immersed in the Carnaval culture since her preteen years. Valencia has trained with various Caribbean groups such as J'ouvert, Islands of Fire, Malick Folk Performing Company, Embacadere Travelers. In addition she has performed with world–renowned drummers Val Serrant, Swadi, Tumani, Hugh and others for many years; as well as experienced Afro Brazilian dance in the Bay Area and Salvador, Bahia. Newton studied at New York University and graduated from the University of California Berkeley with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare and Dance, and hopes to further her studies by receiving a Masters in Social Work and Fine Arts.
Valencia has been co–lead dancer and choreographer for Trinidadian group Sistas–Wit–Style Folk Performance Dance Company for the past 13 years. Sistas–Wit–Style is an Oakland–based Folk Performing Dance Company, founded in October 2000, by Merissa Lyons, and Kianna Rachal, managed by Annabelle Goodridge, later accompanied by Valencia Newton in December 2001. They are dedicated to providing youth, teens, & adults with a Caribbean cultural experience that enables them to make a difference through dance, and have received commendations from Congresswoman Barbara Lee, the State of California Board of Directors, and the City of Oakland for their achievements in promoting pride, dignity, self–esteem, and leadership with Sistas–Wit–Style, www.sistas–wit–style.com. Valencia continues teaching dance and academics to children, youth and adults at New Karibbean City in Oakland, Saturdays 12–2pm and also assists in Carnaval costume–making at the Mas Camp, 5859 Mac Arthur Blvd. Oakland, open daily after 4pm.
About King Delvis Savigne Friñon
Delvis was born in Santiago, Cuba. He is a graduate of the Jose Maria Heredia Academy of Art with a degree in Contemporary and Folkloric Cuban dance. He was evaluated by the national court and gained the place of soloist for his advance dance technique. In Cuba, he danced professionally with Danza del Caribe Dance Company. Since moving to the States, he has danced with Kim Epiphano, Dance Brigade, Arenas Dance Company, Nicole Klaymoon's Embodiment Project and Alayo Dance Company.
“I have been participating in los Carnavales of Santiago, Cuba, since I was 10 years old,” said Friñon. He studied dance and music Carnaval traditions of Conga and Comparsa. He has also danced in El Festival del Caribe, a festival that is held every July in Santiago and dedicated to the traditions of Caribbean countries.
Runners–Up
A very special thank you to our talented runners–up. It was a very close contest!
MEET OUR GRAND PARADE GRAND MARSHAL, SUPERVISOR DAVID CAMPOS
Supervisor Campos came to the United States, together with his parents and two sisters, as an undocumented immigrant at age 14 after a harrowing journey from war-torn Guatemala. Despite not initially speaking English, David excelled in school, graduating at the top of his class from Jefferson High School, in a poverty-ridden section of South Central Los Angeles. David earned scholarships to Stanford University and Harvard Law School.
He has served as the lead counsel for the San Francisco Unified School District, San Francisco Police Commissioner, and San Francisco Supervisor. As Chair of San Francisco’s Transportation Authority, David led the successful effort to provide free transit on MUNI for low-income youth, an effort made necessary in part by the loss of school buses to state and local budget cuts.
David has lived in Bernal Heights for the past nine years with his husband Phil and their English bulldog Winston.
"No other event exemplifies the culture, creativity and diversity of San Francisco more than Carnaval. I am humbled and honored to be named Grand Marshal of this year's Grand Parade as we celebrate the third decade Carnaval and World Cup Soccer."
DANCE WITH THE MCCLA CONTINGENT IN THE GRAND PARADE!
It's not too late to join Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in saluting Carnaval and the World Cup in their Grand Parade contingent, themed, "Copa de Amor y Ritmo" on May 25th, 2014! The contingent has wonderful uplifting music, rhythms, and dance moves in its choreography. Their cup overflows with Latino dance and love for the Latin culture.
MCCLA's contingent presents contemporary fusion of Latino Caribbean movement fused with regaeton, a little Zumba (Brazillian-inspired movements) and cumbia. Their dance choreography is called SalsaZumbaton! Like MCCLA's mission, the contingent represents all Latino cultures and elements. Seasoned Zumba teacher Brenda Perdue will lead the contingent. Their mix of contemporary music will be provided by D.J. Rumorosa, providing the sounds of contemporary Latino artists such as Wisin & Yandel, el Rubio Loco, and salsa favorites. Dance with their mascot, the MCCLA Jaguar, representing divinity and power in Mexico, Central and South America and all other places where the Jaguar roamed.
The Thomas Edison Charter Academy students, teachers, and parents will join MCCLA's contingent, as in the last 7 years. Please join them and the rest of the MCCLA contingent in Carnaval San Francisco 2014!
JOIN US AT OUR REHEARSALS/CLASSES — ALL LEVELS WELCOME!
CLASS REGISTRATION
ADULT REHEARSALS
- SATURDAYS FROM FEB. 1 – MAY 24
- 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
- Studio B
- $8 Per Class, $6 with Discount Coupons
KIDS REHEARSALS
- SATURDAYS
- 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
- Studio A
- $8 Per Class, $6 with Discount Coupons
For more information or questions, email OUTREACH@MISSIONCULTURALCENTER.ORG or call 415–821–1115.
MCCLA CARNAVAL WARM–UP & FUNDRAISER
JOIN US AT OUR WARM–UP & FUNDRAISER AT MCCLA
Join MCCLA for this fundraiser to support their Carnaval contingent. Enjoy a night of dancing and great food featuring music by Orquesta Adelante, DJ Rosa Rumorosa, and this year's chroeography director, Brenda Perdue. All proceeds will go to support their contingent and help cover some of the costs to make this participation possible.
- FRIDAY, MARCH 28TH
- 7 – 10 PM
- Gallery, 2nd Floor
- $15 General Admission
- PURCHASE TICKETS
DANCE WITH THE SISTAS–WIT–STYLE CARNAVAL SAN FRANCISCO PARADE CONTINGENT!
We are inviting all dancers and performers to our energetic Caribbean rehearsal dance and workout. Be fit for Carnaval with Sistas–Wit–Style!
JOIN THE SISTAS–WIT–STYLE BAND LAUNCH & FUNDRAISER
Come and enjoy some great Caribbean food, music, drinks and dancing at Liege Lounge in Downtown Oakland!
ABOUT SISTAS–WIT–STYLE
Sistas–Wit–Style is a Caribbean Folk Performing Dance Company founded by three young ladies; Merissa Lyons(CEO), Valencia Newton (COO), & Kianna Rachal (CFO), and is managed by Annabelle Goodridge. We are Oakland–based and plan to teach, promote, and spread the Caribbean culture throughout the Bay Area. We are dedicated to providing youth, teens, & adults with a cultural experience that enables them to make a difference through dance.
Sistas–Wit–Style & Associates Carnival band is celebrating our 10 year anniversary in San Francisco Carnival. Our theme this year is "Caribbean Gladiators" symbolizing our strength and perserverance over the years. We are participating in San Francisco and Hollywood Carnival Parades 2014. If your interested in joining us please fill out our Carnival interest form on our Contact Us page.
COLECTIVO ANQARI CARNAVAL KICK–OFF FUNDRAISER
Join us for a colorful evening of Andean music and dance (you dance too!). Performances to include groups Ajayu, Anqari, The Luis Valverde Dance Company among others. Good food and beverages available for donations. Entry includes one free beverage to get you started. All ages welcome!
ABOUT COLECTIVO ANQARI
ANQARI is the name of the aymara deity that represents the wind.
We are a collective of musicians dedicated to the performance and promotion of traditional music and dances of the Andes, specially of the wind instruments and indigenous dances of the Kollao Altiplano, a culturally rich region in the heart of the South Andes.
JOIN THE LOCO BLOCO CARNAVAL 2014 CONTINGENT!
Don't Miss Out On Your Chance To Join Our 20th Anniversary Carnaval Contingent!
Come Drum, Dance & Go Loco With Us!
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
*REGISTER ON–SITE*
- SATURDAY, MARCH 29TH
- Location: SF Community School: 125 Excelsior Ave @ London, S.F.
- CLASS SCHEDULE
- Bloquitos (ages 3–5) 10:30am – 11:30am
- Poco Loco Drum / Dance (grades 1st – 5th) 10:30am - 12:00pm
- Stilt Walking (grades 2nd and up) 10:30am – 1:00pm
- Teen Adult Drumming & Dance 10:30am – 1:00pm
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JOIN LOCO BLOCO FOR OUR ANNUAL BLOCURA FUNDRASING GALA
Enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, a silent auction, free parking, no host bar, festive cocktail attire and live performances by LOCO BLOCO & BAYONICS.
- SATURDAY APRIL 19, 2014
- 6:30PM – 10:30 PM
- LOCATION: PATIO ESPANOL, 2850 Alemany Blvd., S.F.
- TICKETS: $65
- PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
- All proceeds directly support Loco Bloco’s FREE youth empowerment & community arts programs.
- CLICK AQUI PARA NOTICIAS EN ESPANOL
ABOUT LOCO BLOCO
Loco Bloco’s mission is to promote San Francisco youth’s healthy transition into adulthood by engaging them in the creation and performance of music, dance, and theater traditions reflecting the cultural diversity of the Americas. Loco Bloco encourages its youth to use multicultural arts forms as a tool for their own empowerment and as a catalyst to help them overcome discrimination and bring about change in their communities.
Loco Bloco was founded in 1994 by artists and activist of color as a response to the ever growing funding cuts of arts programs in schools. Loco Bloco’s goal then and now is to provide low–income, minority and immigrant families access to professional level arts education as a means to support the advancement and empowerment of Bay Area youth. For the past 20 years, thousands of Bay Area youth, ages 3–25, have participated in after school classes, summer camps, international exchanges/tours, and our annual self–produced events and community performances.
DANCE WITH SAMBA DO CORACAO
Samba do Coracao invites dancers, youth, revelers and volunteers to parade with us in costume—Brazilian Style!
Theme: "BE BRAVE", inspired by the Wisdom of the North American Indian Tribes
Mary Dollar, Artistic Director of Samba do Coraçao, is a master instructor of Brazilian dance. With over 20 years of professional dancing and teaching experience, she has studied with master teachers in Brazil and USA and has performed nationally and internationally. Mary has received numerous awards over the years for her choreography, visuals and costume design, including "Carnaval SF Grand Champion", "Best Brazilian Group " and the "Special Achievement Award" for her service/contributions to the SF Carnaval community.
Open to all ages and levels!
Sign–up at the studio to secure your spot!
- ONGOING CLASSES:
- WEDNESDAYS, 7:30 PM – 9 PM
- LOCATION: GEARY DANCE CENTER, 5036 Geary Blvd. @ 15th Ave., S.F.
- CARNAVAL PARADE WORKSHOPS
- SUNDAYS, 6 PM – 9 PM
- 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18
- LOCATION: MARY SANO STUDIO, 245 5th St. @ Howard St., S.F.
- FINAL REHEARSAL
- SATURDAY, 5/24 (TBA)
JOIN THE SAMBAFUNK! CARNAVAL PARADE CONTINGENT!
SambaFunk! invites you for Carnaval 2014 with our drummers and dancers Sunday, May 25th in San Francisco and Monday, May 26th in Oakland!
- REGISTER TODAY AND YOU WILL RECIEVE:
- Official 2014 Carnaval t-shirt
- An Illustrated Narrative
- Beads for Carnaval
- Pass to the "Spirit Section"
- TUESDAY REHEARSAL CLASSES:
- 8 PM – 9:30 PM
- Location: SYMBOLIC DANCE & FITNESS
- 672 SO. VAN NESS AVENUE @ 18TH STREET, SAN FRANCISCO
- WEDNESDAY REHEARSAL CLASSES
- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Location: DESTINY ARTS CENTER
- 970 Grace Avenue, Oakland, CA
ABOUT SAMBAFUNK!
SambaFunk! “Carnaval Explosion” with King Theo is a great dance, fitness, cultural workout. Combining the cultural elements of Brasilian Bahia style Carnaval Bloco with African American funk. Join us to move your body, get into shape, build cardio endurance, physical stamina and learn the latest dance moves.
The Funkquarians are the regular participants in the SambaFunk! community. This includes all the dancers, musicians, artists in general, and associated friends and family. The Funktyme Playah’s are a group of Funkquarians who play for the SambaFunk! class and various performances.
Instructor, artistic director, and former King of San Francisco Carnaval, Theo Aytchan Williams takes dancers on a cultural journey through out the diaspora of funky Carnaval movement not just in dance class. The Funkquarians had a big contingent in 2011 Carnaval, took it to another level in 2012 with our float, and 2014 is going to be even bigger!
HELP THE FOGO NA ROUPA CONTINGENT FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF FIRE
FOGO NA RUPA GRUPO CARNAVALESCO 2014
Fogo Na Roupa is celebrating 25 Years of Fire—a quarter–century of dance and drum. We have been blessed to nurture a year round community of Brasilian Carnaval Drum and Dance revelry in the greater Bay Area. This year we encourage YOU to CONTRIBUTE a donation to our 2014 Contingent.
Why? Every year we succeed in raising over $9,000 to cover parade costs such as artists fees, float costs, banners, decorations, sound equipment and other necessary supplies for the participation in San Francisco’s Annual Carnaval Parade. On top of that, we fuel a strong contingent of youth with FREE Carnaval programming in Oakland California yearly. Carnavalescos of all ages and levels are invited to perform in FNR’s parade contingent—one of the largest and strongest contingents with up to 200 dancers and drummers participating.
With fiscal sponsorship from partnering non–profit Youth Matters, Inc., a Bay Area non–profit organization for youth development, any donations made to Fogo na Roupa will be tax deductible.
ABOUT FOGO NA ROUPA
Fogo na Roupa is an award–winning Brazilian Carnaval dance and percussion company based in the Bay Area. Founded in 1989 by Mestre Carlos Aceituno, Fogo’s programming is structured to develop confidence, discipline, and cultural consciousness through teachings of folklore, creative expression, and the origins of rhythms and dances. Fogo has the impact of not only teaching an art, but fostering a strong sense of self and community.
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR GO FUND ME CAMPAIGN.
JOIN MUITO QUENTE FOR THE 2014 SF CARNAVAL PARADE!
Be a part of Muito Quente's & SF House's sensational float, with pulsating Brazilian dance music by DJ Lucio K!
Wear a unique costume! Blanca and Cindy are holding costume workshops to guide their Carnaval participants in the designing and making of their own custom Samba costumes! Too shy for a Samba bikini? Join our Bahiana or Spirit Sections. There’s a place for everyone in Muito Quente! and SF House’s contingent as they parade to live Braizllian House music by Lucio K.
- CHOREOGRAPHY CLASSES — ALL LEVELS WELCOME!
- SUNDAYS 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Location: CITY DANCE ANNEX
- 1420 HARRISON STREET, SAN FRANCISCO 94107
- TUESDAYS 8 PM – 9:15 PM
- Location: 1584 B Street, Hayward
- SF CANRAVAL PARADE REGISTRATION
- $30/Adults
- $5/Kids
About Muito Quente
Muito Quente! (Very Hot) Samba Performers was created out of the love Co-directors Cindy and Blanca have for Brazilian dance, music and culture. These friends have been principal dancers with some of the Bay Area’s top Samba and Mambo groups and are grateful to their many and varied dance instructors who have inspired, influenced and helped foster their love for this wonderful dance style.
