Andrea Guajardo and Martin Rodriguez‘ creative spirit emerges once again in a Christmas-themed show that fuses the history of the birth of the mestizaje with the emergence of Christianity and Christmas in the New World. “Nacimiento” explores pre-Hispanic rituals, the impact of colonization on the Americas, and popular festive Mexican Christmas traditions through extraordinary dance and choreography. Andrea’s knowledge and foundation in traditional ballet and contemporary dance are merged with Martin’s experience and passion for traditional ballet folklorico to create their 4th production that hits at the heartstrings of the Latino experience on both sides of the border. “Nacimiento” examines stories of La Malinche and Hernán Cortés, Juan Diego and the Virgen de Guadalupe, and other historical characters seminal to the identities of the New World.
For those new to the New York City based Ballet Nepantla, expect none other than an exceptional performance with accomplished dancers who are committed to telling the stories of the Latino experience through dance. Ballet Nepantla’s team dedicates a great amount of attention to every aspect of the production from wardrobe and costume design to lighting and sound and movement and music – all so carefully crafted. Their performances resonate cultural pride and appreciation, inspires audiences and changes lives. After a recent performance of Ballet Nepantla’s “Mistica” in San Antonio, here’s what one school administrator had to say:
“My students loved the show – the lighting, the music, the costumes and the choreography. They were inspired by the whole production and were thrilled to see how the Hispanic culture is being presented on a big stage. Ballet Nepantla helped my students see how their heritage was being seen and heard and expressed a desire to create more culturally relevant performances,” says Mario Goff, Somerset ISD, San Antonio, TX.
In “Nacimiento,” audiences will experience the vibrant and celebratory side of Mexican Christmas traditions presented with a unique twist. There is the joy and excitement of the traditional Posadas where retellings of the Nativity scene come to life through dance. Songs people can expect to hear as dancers perform include “La Culebra,” “El Jarabe Tapatío” and “El Caporal.”
The style of music common to Ballet Nepantla shows is mariachi. Andrea and Martin are masters at selecting exquisite songs and arrangements for their productions. This is one reason why Ballet Nepantla collaborated with the University of Houston and Mariachi Pumas in March last year where Jose Longoria helped bring the music to “Valentina” live on stage at the University of Houston’s Moores Opera House. It was a stunning production with music from the revolution by Mariachi Pumas and there is a whole lot more of this in “Nacimiento.”
Don’t miss the Texas premiere of “Nacimiento” on Saturday, February 3rd at the Latino Cultural Center. Click here to RSVP for this FREE event.
Congratulations to Andrea Guajardo and Martin Rodriguez for creating another brand new production and for your continuous passion to share Latino cultural stories on stage through dance. Thanks to the support from the Latino Cultural Center for helping to present Ballet Nepantla in Dallas and thanks to Ballet Nepantla dancers for all of your hard work in putting together an amazing show for all to enjoy!
Ballet Nepantla Dancers:
Andrea Guajardo, Edinburg, Texas
Martin Rodriguez Vigil, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
Maria Gracia Perez, Lima, Peru
Sumiere “Sue” Ishige, Greensboro, North Carolina
Lindsay Jorgensen, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Belleza Mitchell, San Antonio, Texas
Argelia Arreola, Bronx Mexican dancer
Jonathan Colafrancesco, Italy
Aoi Ohno, Kanazawa, Japan
Will Valles, Rhode Island
Kirsten Covo, Salem, New Hampshire
Paulo Gutierrez, Ecuador
Javier Rochel, El Paso/Ciudad Juarez
Veronica Santana, West Covina, California
Interested in bringing Ballet Nepantla to your area? Choose from any of 4 productions including “Sin Fronteras,” “Valentina,” “Mistica” and “Nacimiento.”
Contact Cynthia Muñoz for bookings and information at 210-860-9633 or cynthia@munozpublicrelations.com.
