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| Cihtli Ocampo from Arte y Pureza teaching Bata de Cola Technique in San Diego 7/15/2012. |
I'm so happy to have spent few hours checking out Cihtli Ocampo's Bata de Cola Technique class at Dance Place in Liberty Station last Sunday. It had been a while since I've seen my great teacher and good friend Cihtli, so the minute I walked into the studio I had a flashback of the last 12 years studying with her. She has been my formative teacher, patiently sharing her knowledge with me and others.
During the bata workshop, Cithli helped students with the technique needed to control the bata by separating the leg/foot movement from the upper body movement. At first, she meticulously worked with students on the degree of plié and the precise leg placement to beautifully maneuver the bata around without compromising its flow... all was done sans bata.
Once the technique was in place, students wore their bata and started relating to the actual strength and weight along with the technique. Those without bata, rotated Cihtli's skirt during the different exercises. Cihtli kept saying: "plié," "center," "lift" and "don't man-handle your bata" (meaning not to kick or throw your bata around). She even shared tips on how to store, clean and fluff the bata.
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During the bata workshop, Cithli helped students with the technique needed to control the bata by separating the leg/foot movement from the upper body movement. At first, she meticulously worked with students on the degree of plié and the precise leg placement to beautifully maneuver the bata around without compromising its flow... all was done sans bata.
Once the technique was in place, students wore their bata and started relating to the actual strength and weight along with the technique. Those without bata, rotated Cihtli's skirt during the different exercises. Cihtli kept saying: "plié," "center," "lift" and "don't man-handle your bata" (meaning not to kick or throw your bata around). She even shared tips on how to store, clean and fluff the bata.
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| Cihtli helping a student with her bata |
Cihtli is now on her way back to Los Angeles but promised to come back to San Diego in about four or five weeks to continue with more Bata de Cola technique. Meanwhile, I leave you with this photo essay.
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| Maestra Cihtli Ocampo |
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