Written by: Fiamma Lenzu-Carroll

“Listen To Your Mother” took many shapes and forms. Performing, choreographing, and working towards the end result you might, or have seen, in Sueño de Amor and Fogata de Amor, two choregraphies part of Listen To Your Mother. 

Sueño de Amor ( Dream of Love)

“Sueño de Amor” was originally choreographed by my mother, Anabella Lenzu, at 18 years old. (the music by Frank Litz). Performing this piece is an absolute honor and privilege, although it may not feel like it at times. Rehearsing and working with my mother was definitely a challenge, as having a mother-daughter-choreographer-dancer relationship, and because of the ballet technique, which was difficult, but having a mother who mentors and teaches me what I love to do is something truly extraordinary. Rehearsing this piece was definitely challenging, but learning and performing it is all worth it. Sueño de Amor was originally choreographed as a solo, and on pointé, but was recently adapted to a duet between my mother and I. It was tedious, and the rehearsals seemed endless at times. I don’t think it would be such an amazing opportunity otherwise.

Fogata de Amor (Fire of Love)

 “Fogata de Amor“, composed by Victor Heredia, song name as Razon de Vivir, sung by Mercedes Sosa and Lila Downs, will always have a special place in my heart. Not even learning the choreography yet, I begun to practice some simple (some complex) Argentinean folklore steps inspired by la zamba and la chacarera. Learning this was what had begun to take the shape of Fogata de Amor. Once the choreography was finished,and I had learnt it, rehearsing was a long, difficult process because of the complex figures, and handkerchief language. In our small, artistic home, I had studies, and practiced Fogata de Amor. Soon enough, we figured we needed a bigger space. Once we relocated,the technique and spacing came along. It was challenging to maintain our distances and keep the same amount of space between ourselves and the projections. Once we overcame this, the rest was just practice, practice,and practice. The final result had the perfect mix of love, passion, and everything in between. 

 Since this is my first time performing with my other, it is nerve wracking, but so fun and exciting. Even though the creative process has come to an end, this piece will always remind me of love an joy on stage, and my first experience of performing with my mother. She has important things to say, so Listen To My Mother!    

“Listen to Your Mother” will be premiered at La Mama Moves Dance Festival in NYC,  from May 16th-19th, 2024. Save the dates and get your tickets!

https://www.anabellalenzu.com/listen-to-your-mother