Home transcends mere physicality; it is intricately intertwined into the fabric of friendships, acquaintances, and the ever-shifting blend of my surroundings. Fuelled by my curiosity for the tapestry of human culture, I find comfort in witnessing art, dance, and, above all, music.
Home is no longer a static location; instead, it is a visceral feeling resonating wherever my heart insists I belong.
Yesterday, I was enchanted by a musical performance that I truly enjoyed and that held me captivated for over 90 minutes. It narrated a history inherently linked to my country of birth, the place that granted me life and provided all the essential elements for my perfectly imperfect existence. It is the land I departed from one day, only to yearn for the palpable vastness of its territory.
Living abroad and navigating life beyond my birthplace has presented both significant challenges and great blessings. After two decades, I remain eternally grateful for the embracing spirit of our Latin culture thriving in London. This city graciously extends its arms to the vast diversity of all of us Londoners and our hectic multicultural scene.
Being away from home has induced me into a rare type of homesickness; where I am not required to be physically in Colombia, however, my roots have deepened my appreciation for the vastness of our cultural heritage. I see myself in no other way. I am a Colombian in love with our culture, residing in a city that I adore because it encapsulates it all.
The show marked a night to remember: Magdalena, coursing through the veins of Colombia, the main artery of the country with its 1528 kilometres of lifeblood flowing northward while sustaining countless lives across the nation. A vein that not only provides essential elements for survival but also carries the immense significance of a rich cultural heritage, fuels the country’s economy and mirrors its enormous diversity.
Magdalena’s performance, by Talentos School of Dance, embarks on a journey that begins in Honda with Jose Arcadio Buendia and his charming dozen daughters crying out for some food! It is a voyage marked by challenges, where the sick river cries out for help, leaving nothing but prayers for a divine intervention. The miraculous catch!
The narrative unfolds within a humorous setting of legendary, heroic, and mythical characters such as Melquiades and Simon Bolivar skilfully brought to life in several scenes. They seamlessly blend together in a magical fashion to convey a vibrant message of cultural richness and ecological awakening.
Portraying the daily life moments of the towns on the riverbank, the performance struck a perfect balance of theatrical Colombian humour with well-crafted scenes that captured the inspirational moments of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This included an energetic blend of folklore dances executed by all the avid art students
It brought to life Garcia Marquez’s unique journey, a literary one, sparked by the landscapes along the Magdalena River, moments that gave birth to the magical literature of its 100 years of solitude. Without the wonders of this expedition, we might never have experienced the mystical world of Macondo nor ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’!
One aspect that captivated me in this performance, curated by Fredy Martinez, the director of Talentos School of Dance, is the profound inclusion of the entire community, featuring artists of all ages. The school offers weekly instruction tailored to individuals of all age groups, including children, teenagers, adults, and seniors
Understanding the significance of the Magdalena River offered the audience insights into the historical and cultural context of Colombia. This artery river winds through 13 departments, originating from El Paramo de Las Papas in Huila and Cauca departments, until it finally meets the Caribbean Sea, carrying with it a myriad of culturally synced stories from the diverse communities along its banks.
I am now feeling grateful as I witnessed the passion for Colombian art and music transcend age boundaries. We are all connected to our history and roots, and with passion and love for art, we can showcase that peace is certainly attainable.
Feeling grateful for the rivers of the world
With love
❤️
Jenny
Jenny Sky Is The Limit 
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