Carmen Reina Nelson, a native of Guatemala, introduced Boulder population (1991) to the popular dances and culture of Latin America. For the next 25 years, Carmen taught dance classes, performed regularly with her Grupo Macondo, served a artist-in residence, created the first Afro-Latin dance festival, sponsored visits by inspiring teachers and served as Latin American Projects Coordinator for local festival. Carmen says: “I have always been very aware of how the dances of Afro-Caribbean Portuguese and Hispanic cultures are a cooperative expression of community, not an endeavor to achieve awards or win competitions. Dance is meant to nurture the spirit, not the ego.”