Cuban Pete & Barbara on Bravo Documentary Special: History of the Mambo Kings
Bravo will air its documentary, "History of the Mambo Kings," on June 30, 2002 at 8:00 p.m. This 2-hour special, produced and directed by veteran documentary filmmaker, Kevin Kaufman, will trace the history of Latin music from its Afro-Caribbean roots to New York's Palladium Ballroom to the Catskill Mountains, with Cuban Pete and his partner, Barbara Craddock, as featured storytellers.
Cuban Pete, the "King of the Latin Beat," is a legendary dancer known worldwide for his talent and passion for the mambo genre. His signature style makes him an icon on the dance floor and continues to confirm his titles, "Prince of the Palladium, Maestro of Mambo, Master of the Clave." Nicknamed by the master of ceremonies at the Palladium in 1949, Cuban Pete was a regular weekly performer at the dance palace. Cuban Pete has won numerous awards for his contributions to Latin dance, his dance style and impeccable timing. He has invented scores of movements recognized as standards of Latin dance. He was the choreographer and consultant for the hit movie, "Mambo Kings," starring Antonio Banderas and Armand Assante. Cuban Pete also had a role in the film, "Mambo Madness," which prompted a LIFE magazine article and led to performances at Carnegie Hall, The RKO Palace, The Waldorf Astoria and the Apollo Theater, plus two performances at the White House.
Barbara Craddock has been a professional dancer since the age of 15 and brings more than 40 years of teaching and performance experience to the dance floor. She has partnered with renowned dancers in New York, New Jersey and Florida, in both nightclub and revues of varied dance styles. She is a schooled ballroom dancer who specializes in Latin dance, but is also trained in ballet, tap and jazz.
Cuban Pete and Barbara are each certified by the national Dance Teachers of America and hold international licenses from the International Dance Organization. Most recently they helped make history in the preservation of clave by blending it with ballet: They served as choreographic consultants and instructors for Miami City Ballet's unprecedented and innovative work, "Mambo No 2 a.m.," under the direction of Edward Villella. Cuban Pete and Barbara have appeared on Univision's "Primer Impacto" and "Despierta America," Miavision's "America," NJN TV's "Images/Imagines," Britain's Carlton TV, WPBT's New Florida and Channel 41's "A Las 7 Con Fernando." In August 2000 they had the privilege of being the only dancers invited to perform at the Tito Puente Tribute, at the dedication of Tito Puente Way in New York. Cuban Pete was also featured in the documentary, "Tito Puente: King of Latin Music," which was produced by George Rivera and seen nationally on NBC.
For additional information and for upcoming events, contact Cuban Pete and Barbara at cubanpeteent@aol.com or call 305.931.3336. •