It's 11:49pm on Tuesday as I type these words. Just got home from Las Tapas about 30 minutes ago. I had the pleasure of working with two relatively new dancers on the local tablao scene: Pam de Ocampo and Sarah Hart.

The first set was OK. Could've been better, but thing is that none of us was sufficiently warmed-up not to mention the fact that Pam and Sarah might have felt a tiny bit nervous (although they didn't show it in their facial expression) knowing that the audience here is accustomed to the calibre of the Tuesday night regulars: Edwin Aparicio and Anna Menendez.

Opened up with Sevillanas as usual. Then Pam did a seguiriyas followed by Sarah's Tientos. And we closed with the usual fin de fiesta bulerias. As a group we were basically just getting a feel for each other, going through the motions but not quite communicating effectively with each other on an artistic level.

We had a half-hour or so until the next set. So we all sat at the bar, relaxed, briefly discussed the first set and enjoyed some light conversation with some of the customers. This time, for the second set, Sarah and Pam were now warmed-up and a bit more inspired as they danced, respectively, solea and alegrias. It wasn't technically perfect, but they more than made up for it with their energy and inspiration. They connected with the audience and it showed in their thunderous (and extended) applause!

After the show, a few members of the audience approached our table, paid us compliments and even left some generous monetary tips! Not bad for a first time performing at Las Tapas. Congrats to Pam and Sarah on a job well done.

Incidentally, I will be performing with Pam again this Saturday at my new gig at Tapeo in Pentagon City. Shows at 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Mariya will also be performing. Let's hope for good weather--the stage is outdoors. See you there!

OK, it's now a little after midnight. Time for bed. Gotta get up early so I can meet up with my friend in downtown DC to catch an 8:30am bus to New York (I can always catch up on sleep on the 4-hour ride). But it's the getting up early that's the challenge. Good night!

P.S. Here's an article about the show my friend and I are seeing tonight (Wednesday) in New York.

P.P.S. I won't be adding blog entries until I get back to DC Thursday or more likely Friday. Consider me on vacation, a short one!