Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Flamenco Dancer - Teaser

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Traditional Flamenco Dance in the Heart of Boyle Heights

Spanish for Success brings you a documentary story of the Flamenco dancer from East L.A. Today we got a glimpse of the day-to-day lifestyle of Rocio Ponce.



Focal Finder Production spent the afternoon getting to know Rocio, and her clients. Below are some images from the dance class. Check back with us often, and will be sharing up-to-date information from performances, events, and interviews. Videos coming soon.

Study Spanish and Flamenco in Seville, Spain










Rocio Ponce has dedicated body and soul to flamenco (and all forms of Spanish dance) for the past 18 years (spanish classical dance for 26 years), & other different forms of dance since she was 8 years old. A native of East Los Angeles & raised by her Veracruzano father, she has never forgotten her roots and is a firm believer in giving back. Toward that end, she has found that the arts are an important way to help at-risk teenagers in gang-infested neighborhoods achieve their highest potential. She uses the artistry and discipline of flamenco as a method for kids and teens to learn how to overcome challenges in their lives (and have fun at the same time!) through teaching or hosting activities in flamenco: dance, singing, percussion, & guitar.

Through programs sponsored by the City of Los Angeles, Rocio has taught in South Central Los Angeles; Watts; East Los Angeles; Lincoln Heights; Mid-City; Compton; Boyle Heights; Highland Park; and other districts; by introducing the children of these neighborhoods to a different cultural heritage, she teaches them about another environment outside of theirs. Rocio has also worked alongside with the California State Department of Mental Health teaching skills to abused children through dance movement therapy.

In addition to that, Rocio was invited to Zürich, Switzerland by their ‘department of children’s mental health’ to go into a children’s group home facility, for sexually abused children, to share & train employees, with hands on with the children, in ‘creative dance & theatre/theatrical therapy’ instructional methodical ideas, which included anger management skills, social skills, etiquette skills, & other skills to teach the children to open themselves up by using all elements of urban pop-culture, poetry, body stylized shapes & forms, musical theatre, skits, flamenco dance, & modern to creative dance which would slowly & safely have them face their fears through routinely performances.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Jose Luis Claveria Vera - New Spanish Culture Content Contributer From Chile



Greetings viewers of Spanish Culture and Language. We would like to introduce our new content contributer, Jose Luis Claveria Vera. Jose is from La Serena, Chile, follow his story and knowledge as he brings some of the most interesting stories from South America.

Employers

College


Disfraces de Halloween - Spanish Themed Costumes

In the spirit of Halloween, here are some Spanish themed costumes. Check out Focal Finder for more images and videos from the West Hollywood Halloween Parade 2010.
















Saturday, October 16, 2010

Enjoy a Taste of Chile

The moment you step into this place, you feel like you're in another country. The sight, smell, and taste of Rincon Chileno has all the elements of a great hole-in-the-wall. Imagine separating from your reality, and stepping into another cultural experience. Travel the world without digging deep into your pocket, to sample some of Chile's finest dishes. Explore a new destination in your back yard, and connect with neighbors that unite people together, food. <<Read full blog >>

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Go beyond your neighborhood and explore Chile. Study, learn, discover, and immerse yourself in study Spanish Chile.

Copyright - Focal Finder Production

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Mexican Seafood - Via Mar Restautant

Via-Mar Restaurant
5111 N. Figueroa Ave.
Highland Park, CA

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Quezadillas de Mariscos


Quezadillas de Mariscos


Tostadas Pescado


Camarones ala Diabla



Saturday, January 30, 2010

Patagonia Argentina/Chile

Sharing some of our favorite videos:
Here is a video from a Current VC producer, "Hiking Patagonia." Discover what the world has to offer, pick a country, and explore the many possibilities of learning the culture and language.

Walking Tour of Farmers Market

If you're traveling abroad, one of the best experiences to learn about the culture and personality of the country, is to take a walking tour of the open-air markets. Meet and talk to the locals as they can provide you some information on the local eats, fruits, vegetables, and even cooking tips. One of the best ways to really get immersed into the community is the local markets.

Read full blog: Follow the complete blog on a walking tour of farmers market in Costa Rica.
















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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Granizada Guatemalan Style


We recently took a trip to Guatemala, on a volunteer expedition. Under the Otay Group Charity, the team was there to deliver 3000 pairs of shoes to orphaned kids.

The team stopped by the capital, Guatemala City, to see a little sight seeing in between.

The team came across a local vendor selling flavored shaved ice, called, Granizada.

A form of dessert made from shaved ice with variety of flavored syrups. They can be from strawberry, mango, bubble gum, coconut, vanilla, lemon juice. Or they can also be topped with fresh sliced fruits.

In Guatemala, this is a nice dessert to have, especially, when you're hanging out and people watching.