Puerto Rican Woman Is Not Afraid Of Turning 40; Is Throwing Huge Party And You’re Invited

Most of the time, when people are about to turn 40, they start thinking about their lives, their accomplishments, the things they didn’t do but still want to, and whether it’s too late in life to do them. But others, like Vaydra Alexander, a proud Puerto Rican, are happy to get another year of doing what they love, and decide to throw a massive party where everyone’s invited.

On December 10, 2017, the New York dancer, choreographer, and teacher will produce an extravagant one-afternoon show featuring over 30 dancers and singers performing a wide range of contemporary pop, Latin, musical, and hip-hop songs.

Performers include professional dancers Ethan Graham, Matt Lopez and Melissa Ramos, fitness professionals Mary Onango and Angel Aulet, singer Galit Sud, drag queen Kia Karr, singer/writer/producer Yashea yBlaze, and musician David Güitonsky.

Vaydra’s choreography will be showcased in a series of high-energy group dance numbers led by herself and principal dancers Natalie Cabrera, Kondis Gray, Robyn Pilger, Michelle Stella, and Angeline Mendez. Other dancers include Annette Santos, Chelsea Zhou, Erilia Hao Wu, Evy De Guzman, Galit Sud, Heather Wong, Krystyna Bove, Maria Valdez, Natacha Cruz-Benjamin, Rabi Ade, Rhonda Henders, Rosa Watanabe, and Virgil Wong.

The show will open with the theme from Star Wars, a film that premiered the year Alexander was born. She has a strong connection to the franchise, as her name, Vaydra, comes from her parents love of the George Lucas’ films and a particular character that might not be everybody’s cup of tea. “Yes, I was named Vaydra after Darth Vader,” she explains.

However, Vaydra’s charisma and positive attitude towards life has garnered her a following among her students. She teaches packed Zumba classes at New York Sports Clubs (NYSC) throughout Manhattan, where she invited students to rehearse and eventually perform with her seasoned dance troupe onstage.

She is also launching her own dance format, VAYDRA (as an acronym for Visualize and Appreciate Your Dance Releasing Ability), which is another reason to celebrate with this magnificent performance.

While classically trained herself, Alexander focuses her students on the enjoyment of dance and its health benefits over rigid technique. “My teaching is really about how you can move your body to release toxicity from your day,” she explains. “It’s all about absorbing the positive energy of dance to truly rejuvenate and enrich your spirit.”

The show will take place December 10, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. (doors open at 3 p.m.) at The High School of Fashion Industries, 225 W 24th St. between 7th and 8th Avenues in New York City. Tickets are available at www.vaydra.com, and you can purchase one for $15, or if you get two or more, each one will be $10. You can also get tickets at the door on the day of the event for $20 per person, cash only. Part of the proceeds will go towards Puerto Rico relief efforts.