Calpulli Mexican Dance Company

presents "Monarcas"

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David Rockefeller Creative Arts Center at Pocantico

Tickets: (This event is sold out)

Monarcas is the latest production from Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Based on real-life stories of Mexican American immigrants, who inspire us with tenacity and perseverance, the stories of Monarcas are told primarily through folkloric dance along with dance theater, contemporary movement, original music, and rich costuming. The work features original stories created by Calpulli's co-founders, Alberto Lopez Herrera and Juan Castaño, and music composed and arranged by George Saenz.

This event is presented in partnership with the RBF Culpeper Arts & Culture program. It is also supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, a commissioning grant from the O'Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation, the Harkness Foundation for Dance, Exploring the Metropolis and the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, and individual supporters.

Following the performance there will be a reception with special access to the DR Center gallery, currently showing Inspired Encounters: Women Artists and the Legacies of Modern Art.

Juan Castaño

Executive Director

Juan Castaño co-founded Calpulli Mexican Dance Company with the vision of celebrating and serving Mexicans and Mexican Americans across the United States. With more than 20 years of experience in Mexican folk dance, Castaño is a master teacher with the Young Arts Foundation, dancer, story writer, and choreographer. The story of “Company E,” premiering in Monarcas, is based on Mexican American soldiers from Castaño’s hometown of El Paso, Texas.

Alberto Lopez Herrera

Artistic Director and Education Director

Alberto Lopez Herrera is a choreographer, wardrobe designer and maker, and teaching artist with more than 30 years of experience. He leads the creation of Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s storytelling works that explore both traditional and cross-cultural narratives. Lopez also oversees Calpulli Community, a series of education and outreach programs that bring Mexican traditions to life through classes and workshops for students and the general public.

George Sáenz

Music Director

George Sáenz is a musician, composer, arranger, and educator. As Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s musical director, he creates original compositions and arrangements, and selects and works with musicians. In addition to being a freelance musician in and around New York City and the Northeast, Sáenz also tours with and serves as musical director for Grammy award-winning vocalist, Lila Downs.