S3: Ep 2: Elizabeth Soberanes and Carnaval in The Mission
On a sunny February afternoon in Mission Dolores Park, Jae and I interviewed lifelong Latin dancer, arts educator, producer, and choreographer Elizabeth Soberanes. She’s been an active performer and resident in San Francisco’s Mission District for over 40 years, starting with a BA in Dance Ethnology from SFSU. Elizabeth is a champion of Latin dance styles including Afro-Haitian, Brazilian, Cuban, Capoeira, Hip Hop and Jazz. In 2009, Elizabeth founded Latin Dance Grooves (LDG) to share her love of Latin dance to her community in a welcoming environment. This later evolved into a performance ensemble that has performed at numerous occasions, including SF Pride Festival Latin Stage, Bay Area Cuban Festival, SF Carnaval, and more. Today LDG boasts some of the most popular Latin dance and fitness classes in the Bay Area.
Elizabeth is also well-known for her participation in Carnaval, SF’s annual celebration of Latin and South American culture. This parade features dance, art, decorated floats, music and food, a scene where someone as cheerful as Elizabeth can always be found. Her work with LDG has helped bring so much life to Carnaval, as it’s helped her students participate in the festival for many years. Elizabeth believes that dance is a healing force for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being for the individual and the community. Who better to tell us about the meaning of San Francisco’s Carnaval than her?
For more information about Elizabeth Soberanes, please visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aforum/18045924320/in/photostream
Meet Elizabeth Soberanes!
