In The Heights Goes "Home"

In The Heights Tour went to San Juan, Puerto Rico. We performed at the Centro de Bellas Artes (apparently its like their Lincoln Center) It was the best 2 hours of my life. I sat in the audience with Joseph and Michael B and watched the magic unfold. As soon as the Puerto Rican flag was flown by Carla in Carnaval, there was an overwhelming applause. It was like the audience was dancing WITH us onstage. I was surprised to feel happy I that I wasn't onstage. It was a thrill to feel pride and excitement for my JOB, my passion. here, Lin bows with us, wrapped in a Puerto Rican flag:

We got to meet the Governor and his First Lady, Lucé Vela de Fortuño at the Governor's Mansion in old San Juan:

I decided to stay an extra 4 days... here is the view from my room:

Overall, Puerto Rico was an amazing professional and also personal experience. :)

In the Heights to Close on Broadway in January; Miranda to Return to Cast - Playbill.com

In the Heights to Close on Broadway in January; Miranda to Return to Cast - Playbill.com

THIS is the end of an era...

"i can say gbye to you smilin' I found my island... Ive been on it this whole time. IM HOME"

Thank you fans. friends. family of Heights for your support. Thank you most of all to the creators of this island. It's beautiful and legendary, so it willll live on forever.

Our tour will continue and close in April 2011, but our mother, mentor, friend--Richard Rodgers Theater will close Jan 9th 2011.

OFFICIALLY Dance Captain of the In The Heights Tour!!!

As of Tuesday... I officially took on the role of "Dance Captain." We had our first put-in for the swings (where we rehearse with the full cast and the swings do their first track). It was exhilarating and also a lot of pressure. I am going to learn so much in the next 6 months. Its such an interesting position, when you have no choice but to step up to bat and swing. :)

1st swingtown day in NYC (DC-dance captain and ST-swingtown)

I think Im turning Japanese....I really think so!

Hello from Kyoto, Japan.

Shiga-ken, just outside of Kyoto, was home to my grandmother's parents. Back in 1919, my great grandparents emigrated to the United States and left my grandmother's brothers in Japan. There, one of her brothers had 2 boys, one named Takahashi. Since 1965, we ahve not heard from Takahashi, but have letters from him. We have the 1919 versions of my great grandparents' passports... and with those things, we travel today to Otsu, capital of Shiga prefecture, to find out if Takahashi, or any "yasui"--my grandmother's maiden name--relatives are still alive.

Here is our experience

travel to OTSU in Shiga prefecture outside of Kyoto.

Head to the Shiga Prefecture Government Building

Takeda, an extremmmmeeelllly nice man takes us into his office, where he is on his LUNCH BREAK and gets a translator for us. They then talk with my grandma

and sort through our papers... while offering us tea... who are these nice people?

They told us her parents are originally from Aisho in Shiga, an hour away and to get their "Koseki" we would have to travel to the Aisho city hall. So interesting. They spent nearly an hour and a half with us, talking about MY family history in Japanese/English. NOW THAT is a memory I have waited for. I found out so many new things, like their names.... Itsu Yasui is my great grandmother. I have my great grandfathers name written, but it is put away already. So, with grandma worn out and the heat-ablazin, we set our sails back to Kyoto.

(kind of cool to say were literally back where we started)

Instead of heading home, however, we headed to get me a traditional KIMONO. These ladies were AMAZING

Mamma saymamma ASAKUSA

YOU GUYSSSSsss.... I bought a Tea Set today! WHAT. I have always said I wanted a legit tea set from Japan and I actually bought one. How I am going to put it in my suitcase to fly back home... I am not QUITE sure, but I am glad I got it done. Crunchy (Natalie caruncho) went on for Carla today and Genny Lis... haha went on for Nina. It was a great combination and the show went really well. I am getting a little antsy to see my Dad and Grandmother tomorrow.

I am excited but nervous for our trip because my Grandmother, though in good spirits, is not as.. well ADVENTUROUS as my dad is. :) BUT getting a Kimono in my grandmother's presence is something I have dreamed about since I was little. It is only half of me, but its something very important to me and something I take great pride in being a part of.

OK and for a change of pace... I am going out now to see what the FIERCE JApanese hiphop scene is giving me. Cant wait. miss you mommy

ARCADE PICS

Tokyo Bay Cruise ETC...

So, the audiences here are VERY quiet, but sooo respectful. I got a couple gifts from our fans and our Usnavi got chocolates with his FACE on the wrapper! WHAT??? I was amazed.

Sushi is much different here than the US, obviously. I am actually excited to go back and have all of the rolls that aren't actually Japanese--horrible. Sort of funny. BUT THE FISH IS IMPECCABLE. So fresh, and so clean clean haha, just kidding. I am going to be spoiled. Their Eel MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH. Honestly, I don't think Ill be able to eat the Eel in the US anymore ;)

A group of us went on a bay cruise Friday night because we had the night off. Rebecca planned it for us and it was so much fun, although expensive. We got an amazing view of the bridge and the sights of Tokyo at night. We definitely had a "photoshoot" on the deck of the boat, which was so random and also FUN. I love our group for reals.