Emilio Barreto began his apprenticeship with Mr. Anthony "Olukushe" Wiles who headed theInternational African American Ballet. As an accomplished vocalist and initiated priest he has officiated at hundreds of ceremonies for many respected elders of Santeria. His Santisimo dance troupe has received performance commissions from such prestigious venues as Lincoln Center, The American Museum of Natural History, The World Music Institute and was recently invited to perform at the United Nations millennium peace summit. He collaborated with Paul Simon in the Broadway musical "The Capeman" and participated in a film project called "African Voices" produced by the Smithsonian Institution. Mr. Barreto is founder and President of the Luz productions Company which in addition to musical productions also develops curriculums that educate people about African Diaspora. Presently, he is completing another one of his projects that will include the secular music of Cuba. This new release is eagerly anticipated in the spring of 2001. Lecture Demonstrations. The art of Santeria religious practice in music and dance lecture is intented to serve as an introduction to the religious practices and musical traditions of Santeria as derived from Africa and practiced in Cuba. Emilio Barreto explains "What is Santeria"?, "How did this religion of the Yoruba people become fused with that of the catholic saints"?, and "How does Santeria make use of it's musical traditions to create a powerful link with the devine?. Everyone present will witness firsthand the answers to these questions and through demonstration learn how singers, drummers and dancers transform the ceremonial atmosphere in religious feast called abakini. The importance of chanting, improvisation, and knowledge used in the invocation of the spirit deities known as Orisha's will be illustrated. An explaination of how the methods of worship found in music and dance come together in the completion of ritual acts that heal and renew worshipers. Finally, Emilio Barreto examines the importance that African musical traditions has had on modern day Salsa. Introduction AfroCuban Rumba Discover why Rumba has become the object of everyone's curiosity without having to go to Cuba to do it. Just as you don't need to be a car mechanic to drive to work everyday, you don't have to be a native born Latino or African to enjoy Afrocuban Rumba. Join Emilio Barreto's highly spirited ensemble and witness all the excitement that has made the Rumba so popular around the world. See firsthand how the use of stunning dance moments, virtuosity, and fiery rhythms capture the attention of his audiences. This is a unique opportunity to not only feel the joy of the caribbean but to also learn how ancient musical traditions have formed the basis of what is called Latin Salsa today. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.