Follow the story of one of America’s most unique immigrant communities! The Isleños of Louisiana, Spanish Canary Islanders who immigrated to Louisiana in the late 18th century, are one of the most unique ethnic groups in the American South. They are one of the best preserved immigrant cultures in the United States, having safeguarded their traditions into the 21st century. A key to this cultural preservation was the dance halls. Sustained into modern day by weekly dances in nightclubs and across St. Bernard Parish, this rich history is dying out as younger members of the community fail to pick up its traditions. Follow the history of the Isleños through their immigration to the 20th century Dance Hall Era that has become their legacy.

Sara Ann Harris, born in Maryland, grew up in New Orleans and spent countless summers with her extended Catholic family in southeast Louisiana. In 1973, Harris graduated from Tulane University with a BA in Psychology, and earned an MA in English from the University of New Orleans in 1982. Harris taught persuasive writing at Loyola University and Dominican College, and worked for twenty-two years in the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) as a Communications Specialist and Communications Director. Her wildlife communications projects include published magazine articles, along with news features, educational booklets, a television series, a documentary, and multimedia exhibits. She has received numerous awards for her features, including Certificate of Appreciation from Jefferson Parish Marine Fisheries Advisory Board 1999 for coproduction of the Marine Fisheries Museum installation, Second Place/Television Documentary in 2000 from Press Club of New Orleans, and Certificate of Excellence for News Feature on Chef Paul Prudhomme, from North American Precis Syndicate in 2005. Harris lives in New Orleans, Louisiana.

ISBN:	9781455623334
FORMAT:	Hardback
PUBLISHER:	Pelican Publishing
DATE:	9/29/2017
STATE:	Louisiana
IMAGES:	89
PAGES:	112
DIMENSIONS:	5.5 (w) x 8.5 (h)