"You may say that I'm a dreamer..."

It was this time last year I was preparing to embark on a research project with The Arya Dance Project and The Danza Moderna de Cuba Dance Co. in La Habana, Cuba. My research was going to be on the impact of technology and hip-hop culture on the "Revolution." Shortly after arriving I realized how difficult it was going to be to get Cuban nationals to speak against, or for, the government to an American- and ON camera. But like most times, the universe always seems to lead me to the true purpose of my creativity and work.

My assistant, and former student Jessica, who is like a daughter to me was with me on this trip to Cuba. A few years earlier I had taken her on her first trip to New York. Being a dedicated Beatles fan she wanted to visit "Strawberry Fields" in Central Park, which we did. She was so moved and compelled by the experience and especially the "Imagine" plaque dedicated to John Lennon. She took it all in as a quiet reflection. She then saw a picture of a statue of John Lennon sitting on bench and ran around the park looking for it. When she stopped to ask someone where she could find it he responded, "That statue isn't in this park. It's in La Havana, Cuba." She dropped her head and walked away finding her way back to me. After telling me what happened she said, "It's in Cuba. When the heck am I ever going to get the chance to go there?!" I hugged her and we left the park.

Fast forward to the night we arrived after a very long travel day to Cuba. Our driver was taking us to the house we would be staying in and talking to us about the area. As we passed a grassy area one of the other artists asked, "What's that?" He responded, "Oh that? That's John Lennon Park." Jessica looked at me and we couldn't believe it- it was less then a block from where we would be staying the next 15 days.

The next morning we walked over to the park and there was John Lennon, sitting on his bench as if he had been waiting for her, just as she had seen in the picture. Beyond words and alot of emotion she sat next to him. At the base of the statue was an inscription in spanish, "You may think that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."

If anyone would've told us standing in "Strawberry Fields" a few years earlier we would be invited to Cuba as American Artists neither of us would've believed it, it was nearly impossible. Then, to be staying less then a block away from the Park named after John Lennon, with the statue?! Why is this more than just coincidence? Because Jessica had the greatest epiphany. While sitting on the bench she said if she ever doubted that ANYTHING is possible, in that moment any doubt she had experienced in her life disappeared. The only thing she could see was possibility, love...and John Lennon. Each morning on our way to our workshops we passed John and waved and smiled...and dreamed.

As an artist and an educator there is nothing more rewarding then to experience such incredible life changing moments. That is the gift of creativity, "Art creates hope, and with hope anything is possible," all you have to have is a dream...and "create" it into reality.

"You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope some day you will join us and the world will live as one."- John Lennon

An artist doesn't starve...we are actually well-nourished.

In closing over 60 hours at the theater and 5 shows in an incredible opening weekend, I spent my evening with as many ice packs as I have joints and absolute fatigue as the adrenaline wore down...with a smile on my face and joy in my spirit. My creative work isn't just "my job," it's my "life's work." This is the reason I put in 12-18 hour days sometimes 7 days a week. When creating, I never look at the clock in anticipation of leaving or dreading a Monday back in the office. Of course there is much time, energy and investments that are made that don't translate into monetary gain which many people don't understand. Why would I invest so much into something that doesn't pay off? But that's the misconception- it's not about pay-off but a pay-forward and a nourishment that comes each and every time I get to share my creativity. When experiencing art, especially live performance, it gives people the opportunity to connect and be present in that very moment. There is a nourishment that comes from the impact I've made in creating and sharing stories of the human experience. Although I've never experienced it myself, it's like childbirth. As soon as you see the amazing creation and it's tangible, all the pain and sacrifice is secondary to the pure love and purpose that stands on the forefront.

"In the Heights" is an amazing story of love, hope, family and community. There is no greater feeling than knowing every person in the audience will be impacted by not only the performance but each of the artist on the stage bringing their own "person" to their character. Through all the aches and pains-physically, emotionally and mentally- we all face as humans, as an Artistic Creator, I am well-fed.

"In The Heights" The Musical
Fri-Sun thru Dec.22
CASA0101

www.brownpapertickets.com

"All the world is a stage..."

As we get ready to open the Regional Premiere of "In The Heights" at CASA0101 in, Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, CA. I am reminded why I have always loved live performances and why it was so important to me to be part of this Tony Award winning production. It's not often, if ever, the stories of hope, success, determination love and community are told through hip-hop and latin rhythms by a cast of young people of various cultures. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote a story HE could be cast in. I know with each performance we will inspire young people to create art that tells THEIR story regardless of color, culture or socio-economic background. I am inspired every night I have the privilege to be a part of this show. I hope you will join us and experience the love of "In The Heights!"

"I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being."- Oscar Wilde

"In The Heights"
Nov.30- Dec.22 (Fri-Sun)
www.brownpapertickets.com

In the Heights Opens Nov. 30, 2012

In the Heights is an exhilarating journey into a vibrant Manhattan community; a place where the coffee is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. This 2008 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical changed Broadway with its focus on Washington Heights northern Manhattan's predominantly Dominican neighborhood and its blend of hip-hop, merengue, and old-school ballads. With a remarkable young cast and thrilling dancing, In the Heights is a moving, funny, and uplifting story about a community of hard-working immigrants seeking a better life and trying to find their place in a new country. Experience the next chapter of the classic American story with Broadway's most joyous and exciting musical. Buy your tickets now!

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/288020