Curacha

It was just before Christmas. My godfather, Papa Abog Concha, spoke to Lola Bette about my competing in dancing the curacha, with my Igso Benildo at the Christmas Eve Celebration in Catmon. We were in the sixth grade at Catmon Elementary School. My teacher was Mr. Flores. I am not sure who taught the other section. I used to do drills with some of the kids from that section in arithmetic and spelling. Although it cut into my spare time, I loved doing the tasks with the other children.

Curacha is a form of courtship dance. We were teased mercilessly by our classmates causing Igso Bennie, a big embarrassment. I did not care. I enjoyed both activities too much. I did feel sorry for him because he was often reduced to tears by the boys teasing.

So we rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed. I ended up working with Igso Bennie one on one in arithmetic,to minimize the time constraints. The days were short and there was no electricity in Catmon, then.

We danced at the annual Catmon Christmas Eve Program (1957???) - we placed first. People were throwing money at us as we danced at the plaza. After that, Benildo and I were asked to perform in public at various times for the next couple of years. Curacha continues to be my favorite dance routine.