Charo: a big surprise, a reminder and a lesson
I’ll admit that when Suzi first said we were going to see Charo at the Riviera tonight, I flashed back to my parents’ living room, recalling her doing her “cuchi-cuchi!” routine on TV.
She opened her show with the flamboyancy that has long been her trademark, and while that’s not really my cup of tea, I have to admit the act was polished and professional, and her sheer joy at performing infectious.
During the interstice while she changed costumes between the two halves of her show, we were treated to some amazing flamenco dancing.
After the break, though, I had my eyes opened. She returned in a rhinestone tuxedo to dazzle with flamenco guitar playing that absolutely affirmed her claim to have studied with none other than Andres Segovia for seven years. She was nothing short of incredible, and I eagerly rose to join the standing ovation that she so richly earned.
For me any other Boomer anticipating a tired bimbo act from our parents’ era, this was a graphic (though thoroughly enjoyable) reminder that there is often much that we don’t see and know about anyone, performer or otherwise, and that I’m not the only one who has to reinvent myself in response to changing times.
So many lessons; so little time.
Filed under: Cultivate Unusual People, Inspiration | 2 Comments
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While stereotypes abound whatever the ethnic group, I’m most attuned, because of my own ethnic background, to those surrounding Hispanics. And as Jayne suggests, to be successful in the entertainment industry — particularly during the time that Charro was building her career — it pays to play into the stereotype.
For Hispanic women, that means “fiery,” “excitable,” “loud,” and “sexy.” I much prefer “wise” (as in Wise Latina) that is making the rounds these days.
Good luck in your new adventure!
Perhaps the Charo in your parent’s living room was the stereo type that the entertainment industry decided we, in the U.S., should see. Much like an American who loves Thai food, then visits Thailand and finds all of it too hot for their palate, we accept, at first, what we perceive to be authentic. Then perhaps we learn that when you take something out of it’s native context it looses something. Yes, so many lessons so little time. But you’re tracking something good, here. Keep it up. And, thanks for the inspiration.