Journey through Spain and Latin America with Alborada Spanish Dance Theater’s annual gala on Sunday, March 22, at the Ria Mar Restaurant, 25 Whitehead Avenue, South River. The Spanish buffet-style banquet includes Sangria and dessert. Andes music will be presented by Eco del Sur. Hispanic-themed outfits from Spain or Latin American countries are invited. The highlight will be Flamenco performances by Alborada dancers and musicians including Leanne Alexandrini, a former resident of Plainsboro and principal of the Montessori Country Day School in Plainsboro. Tickets are $75 to $80.
Alexandrini, who began dancing in New York at the age of four, studied ballet, tap, and jazz. “I always wanted to study Flamenco and Spanish dance,” she says. “When I moved to Plainsboro in the 1990s I knew I was going to make my dream come true.” She has studied with Lisa Botalico for more than 10 years. She has danced at Kelsey Theater, Grounds For Sculpture, West Windsor and Princeton arts councils, Communiversity, Plainsboro Community Center, and area schools and retirement communities.
“As a performer at the upcoming Alborada gala I will be a part of the unveiling of ‘Colombianas,’ Lisa Botalico’s latest choreography,” says Alexandrini. “It is a beautiful piece that shows the interrelatedness of Spanish, Flamenco, and Colombian music and dance.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, she was adopted and raised on Staten Island. “I was surrounded by music throughout my upbringing,” she says. “Motown and music from their generation was everywhere. My brother and extended family are very musical and we sang, danced, and played instruments at every family get together. My parents worked part-time jobs to ensure I had the opportunity to pursue my interest in dance while growing up.” Her mother was an executive secretary for Chase. Her father, who worked on Wall Street, died when she was 17.
“As an adoptee, I was raised in an Italian and Irish household but I am predominantly Spanish, Italian, and Puerto Rican,” she says. “Although I wasn’t raised within the Hispanic culture, I always had an affinity toward Flamenco and Spanish dance.”
“I have been fortunate to make the right connections with Lisa Botalico and Alborada that allow me to creatively explore and express my Hispanic heritage,” she says. “I can be proud of who I am as a dancer and member of the Hispanic community. It turns out that a biological great aunt of mine was a Spanish dancer. What an amazing link to my heritage Alborada has given me. It is so important to have the opportunity to create and express as a dancer and educator.”
She graduated from the College of Staten Island with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in elementary and special education, and a master’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis on early childhood and special education. A Montessori educator for more than 25 years, she is committed to the philosophy and methodology. She began working at Montessori Corner in Plainsboro in 1995 and became principal this year.
“The curriculum has successfully supported the development and learning of many West Windsor and Plainsboro children, and parents value the quality of education provided,” she says. “My former students continue to keep in touch with me. One is pursuing engineering entrepreneurship and will bring her materials to our school to share with our students and staff.”
“West Windsor and Plainsboro families value the role the arts play in the lives of their children,” she says. “I believe that flamenco and Hispanic dance education help the community develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Hispanic culture while stimulating an interest in one’s one culture. The presentation of how cultures are connected and compatible guides audiences in seeing themselves as active and contributing members of vibrantly diverse local and global communities. Alborada plays an important part in helping parents and educators achieve this goal.”
She has worked in Plainsboro as an educator, consultant, and community member; taking advantage of the social, environmental, commercial, and athletic features of the area. She is a member of Windsor Athletic Club and is an avid power walker along the Princeton Canal and Lenapi trail in Plainsboro. A newly licensed foster and resource parent in Mercer County, she is awaiting her first placement.
“I came to Plainsboro and found myself personally and professionally,” she says. “When I moved to the Plainsboro area, I was able to pursue my passion as there is easy access to the arts here. Lisa and Alborada have given me the opportunity to connect with my heritage in a way I wouldn’t have known if I remained on Staten Island.”
Gala, Alborada Spanish Dance Theater, Ria Mar Restaurant, 25 Whitehead Avenue, South River. Sunday, March 22, 3 to 8 p.m. “Hispanic Tapas,” a celebration of cross cultural programs, benefit evening. Spanish buffet, sangria, dancing, silent auction, and music. Register. $75 to $80. 732-598-3979. www.alboradadance.org.
