Welcome to Chi~Caribena Designs and Dance - an artistic collaboration that combines a variety of West Indian/Caribbean influenced carnival costumes and blends them with modern and folkloric cultural music and dance. Hypnotic dance moves and beautifully handcrafted costumes are designed and constructed by founder, artistic director, and performer, Diane (Berrios)-Buckner since 2004.. She has been paving a entertaining visual experimental avenue to present to her beloved city, Chicago and the rest of the world.
The mission at Chi~Caribena Designs and Dance Troupe is to represent the culture of the Caribbean which include different aspects of arts, dance, and music. It is important to depict all facets of the Caribbean culture and educate individuals to understand the African Diaspora and European influence in West Indian culture; past, present, and future. And in focusing on the future, we believe in educating ourselves so that we may be able to pass our knowledge to future generations so that our history is not lost to misrepresentation and misunderstanding. Although our culture is ever evolving in its diversity and we may be divided by the waters of the Caribbean, we are still united in the celebration of life.
JANUARY 2012
MARCH 2011
Chi-Caribena has been getting some love out of nowhere. The video set off a string of good fortune including a paid trip from Caribbean Airlines. Di also interviewed with Trinidad's Synergy TV.
She's back now and ready to teach Zumba at the American Tango Institute March 19th and her 1st Brazilian Dance workshop on the 20th at Pineapple Dance Studio.
She will also be performing Caribbean Dance at Chicago State University on the 26th.
FEBRUARY 2011
While the troupe has been getting some R & R. Diane has stirring up the media with her viral "Samba Girl vs. Snowpocalypse video that has over 60,000 hits between CNN ireporters and YouTube, and has circulated on FOX, WGN, CNN, and luck out an interview on NBC.
It's about that time of year to celebrate Carnival, so Diane and Zeny will be celebrating Brazil's Carnival with a performance that will welcome Zeny back to the stage. Diane will be working with C.A.M.A. and Truman College to showcase the cultural significance of Carnival with lecture, art, and dance.
Diane will also be partnering up with Pineapple Dance Studio and the American Tango Institute to offer Zumba classes A.T.I.) and a Brazilian and Caribbean Dance Workshop. More information to come.
DECEMBER 2010
This has been a wonderful year ofgrowth and opportunity. Little by little, we have learned so much! So look out for us in 2011. It ought to be a very interesting year.
Happy Holidays! Di and the Chi~Caribena cast.
NOVEMBER 2010
- Wow! the year is almost up! We continue to get recognition uut of nowhere. Diane hs been invited to Latina Artists Series at the Illinois Chapter of the National Museum for Women in the Arts! She will be displaying 3 of her designs photographed by Taitt Charles, The man responsible for the awesome beach shoot pictures. More information on where you can see the exhibit coming soon...
The magazine out! Go to www.latinosocialmagazine.com or click the article picture to the left to link to the online magazine and click to page 6 to see Di's article as she was chosen as one of 6 women that were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the latin and performance community.
OCTOBER 2010
~What a great way to start the month! Diane Buckner was chosen as one of six winners of Latino Social Magazine's Latina Entreprenuers That Made a Difference in 2010. Be on the lookout! Di's story will be in the next issue of Latino Social Magazine.
~In acknowledging October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Chi~Caribena will be donating money to the Save the Ta-Tas® Foundation and purchasing some of its cool tank tops for the principle dancers to create an awareness of protecting their owns tatas. Diane's sister-in-law, Sherri, is a survivor of breast cancer, so the donation will be dedicated her.
~Chi~Caribena will be making their educational rounds at Northeastern University to discuss the History of Carnival in the Caribbean and the importance of unifying and strengthening the ties between all Caribbean/West Indian communities in Chicago. They will also be teaching students some of their dance moves too.
SEPTEMBER 2010
~Chi~Caribena Dance Troupe is part of the entertainment line-up for Cafe Cubano Restaurant in Elmwood Park every Saturday Night. Check out the new Cafe Cubano page for more information and their re-grand opening party around October.
~Emily and Diane are at Old Town School of Folk music and getting the ladies in shape with Zumba. The session started already but check out Old Town School of Folk Music to find out when the next session starts and pricing. Be on the look out for Diane's Zumba classes coming soon in October.
~The troupe is excited! We believe we have found our band!
~There will be a new few faces in Chi~Caribena. We welcome Marisol Villa and the other new girls joining Chi~Caribena.
July - August 2010
Its been a proactive month for Chi~Caribena! Members of Chi~Caribena were invited to work with a new upcoming production/dance troupe Fishnet Mafia. We dazzled the elite of New York as we performed a very powerful dance piece in the name of the Gulf Oil Spill and the National Wildlife Federation. We wish Raquel success on her ventures as she leaves Chi~Caribena.
Emily and Diane have just become the newest members of the Zumba family as they are now certified Zumba Instructors. Check back to find out where they will be Zumba at.
Zenaida is now open for business as she just completed her first Sweet 15 choreography. She is now working on with a new client and has 3 more lined up. Don't miss out on a wonderful opportunity to work an amazing talent! Reserve your group now for waltz and dance training with Zeny.Car®®
