Q: I am hoping to see a dance performance in ABQ between the night of Oct. 23 and the night of Oct. 25. Any ideas?
A: Absolutely! Albuquerque has a great theater and dance community - you can literally see a show almost any night of the week. Below are the dance shows that I know of during October 23-25:
And, if you decide you’d like to try some dancing yourself, try the Salsa-Baby Dance Party on October 24th.   
Q: I’ll be in Albuquerque this summer and hoping you can recommend a good place to experience the local Latin dance/music scene. Any ideas?
A:
Absolutely!  Albuquerque heats up with fantastic Latin music and dance offerings during the summer.  The National Hispanic Cultural Center holds regular dance events like “Noches de Baile” y “Tardes de Baile” where you can get instruction in dances like the cha-cha, mambo and salsa—each course ends with a dance party (www.nhccnm.org).  Also, every Friday night from May 29-August 28 the New Mexico Jazz Workshop holds “Salsa Under the Stars” at the the Albuquerque Museum amphitheater in Old Town.  Salsa Under the Stars features live salsa music, food, and of course dancing (www.nmjazz.org). The Cooperage Restaurant & Lounge also offers regular salsa dance nights. Call 505-255-1657 for information on dates and times.  

Finally, I’m not sure exactly when you will be here, but if you are here in July, you should seriously consider checking out the Annual Mariachi Spectacular (July 8-12, 2009).  Mariachi Spectacular is a five day event that includes a three day conference, music instruction by world renowned maestros, a showcase concert, a competition featuring over 18 mariachi groups, and the Spectacular Concert which features at least 3 world renowned groups (www.mariachispectacular.com). It really is a fantastic event. If you are a mariachi man, you will love it!

Q: I always hear people refer to New Mexican culture as if it’s distinct from Mexican culture. Is it? Other than the word “New,” is there really a difference?
A: Sí, hay una diferencia. Yes, there is a difference. Many differences in fact.  New Mexican culture is a unique mixture, born from the cultures of the Native New Mexican Indian tribes, the culture brought by the settlers from Spain, and the ongoing influence of immigrants from Mexico and Latin America.  Native American, Latino and Hispanic cultures and customs have a major presence everywhere in our city, from the local cuisine, to the street names, to the adobe architecture, to the arts, dance and music.  To learn more about Albuquerque’s culture & heritage go to: http://www.itsatrip.org/albuquerque/culture-heritage/default.aspx    
Q: Do I need my passport to come to New Mexico?
A: ¡Ay de mí! New Mexico is not the same as Mexico.  Mexico is a country. New Mexico is a state.  Don’t worry, you are not alone—this is a fairly common misconception.   If you look at a map of the USA and look for New Mexico you’ll see it’s the fairly large, square state bordering Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas.  So to answer your question, no, you do not need your passport to come to New Mexico.   
Q: I’m coming to Albuquerque this summer with my family. None of us speak Spanish very well so I’m a little concerned that it will be difficult for us to get around. Do many people speak English there that will be able to help us out?
A: While New Mexico is in fact the only bilingual state in the US, I assure you that a large majority of Albuquerqueans speak English as a first language.  While you are here, I would venture to guess that you will hear far more English than you will Spanish.  I feel very confident that you will not have any difficulty with the language whatsoever, so rest-assured.  You will get an opportunity to practice your Spanish, though, while reading many of our street signs.   
Q: I’m only going to be in town for a short while—two days at most—what do you think is the best way to experience Albuquerque’s Hispanic culture while I’m there?
A:
With only two days in town, I recommend going to both Old Town and the National Hispanic Cultural Center: 
   Old Town is a prime example of the Hispanic influences in Albuquerque.  You’ll find adobe buildings that surround a central plaza, a common feature of Spanish colonial towns. Anchoring the plaza is the San Felipe de Neri church, built in 1793.  Old Town Plaza and the church are the center of many Hispanic traditions in Albuquerque, including Fiestas de Albuquerque (Founder’s Day Fiesta) each April, the San Felipe Fiestas held each year at the end of May and early June and other events throughout the year.  For more information about Old Town go to http://www.itsatrip.org/activities/neighborhood-guide/old-town.aspx 
   Finally, anyone interested in the Hispanic heritage of our city and state should make sure to visit the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC), the only national cultural institute dedicated to the study, advancement and presentation of Hispanic culture arts and humanities. Since its grand opening in Albuquerque in 2000, the NHCC has staged over 20 art exhibitions and 400 programs in the visual, performing and literary arts. Programs have featured local, national and international artists, scholars and entertainers. The NHCC provides venues for visitors to learn about Hispanic culture throughout the world and is a resource not to be missed. Go to www.nhccnm.org for more information. 

Q: What is the culture, people, festivals, and food at Old Town in Albuquerque?
A: Albuquerque's Old Town is definitely a must-see. The plaza is the focal point of the neighborhood and is built similarly to other Latin American and Spanish central plazas, with a central gathering space anchored by a church. Our plaza is unique in that both Hispanic and Native American cultures are represented through the diverse mix of galleries, shops and restaurants. I recommend checking out www.itsatrip.org/activities/neighborhood-guide/old-town for information about Old Town's history, culture and food and www.cabq.gov/crs/newfun for information about Old Town's varied festivals and events. 
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