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"Early Stages is one of New York City's many treasures. The work your organization performs helps to awaken and stimulate the creative and cultural juices of so many of New York City's urban youth."

- Doris, Parent, Manhattan Children's School

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Juan Usera (with Early Stages since 2007) Director of La Tribu, is a veteran of the Bomba y Plena scene. He has performed with Los Pleneros de la 21 and he has been the instructor of their Bomba y Plena children’s workshop for the past seven years. Juan is featured in the film “Bomba, Dancing the Drum” and the Banco Popular documentary “Raices.”. Usera has a Master’s Degree from New York University in Dance Education and a bachelor’s degree in Dance Education and History from The University of Puerto Rico. Juan is of Puerto Rican descent.

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