Center for Mexican American Studies Program Manager Raquel Perez (left) and Director George T. Diaz discuss logistics for the day of cultural events presented by Ballet Nepantla. Among the events is “Mística,” a vibrant celebration honoring the origin and history of Día de Los Muertos will take place 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus. Eduardo Escamilla/THE RIDER
The UTRGV Center for Mexican American Studies will host the acclaimed dance company Ballet Nepantla for a production of “Mística,” a vibrant celebration honoring the origin and history of Día de los Muertos, at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus.
CMAS is part of the Office for Bilingual Integration, which programs events related to Mexican American culture, Mexican American and Latinx life and history, according to its director, George T. Diaz.
The collaboration between CMAS and the New York-based Ballet Nepantla will feature a day of cultural experiences for the UTRGV community.
Andrea Guajardo, Ballet Nepantla’s dance director, will present “Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy through Meaningful Movement” at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Education Complex Room 3.204 on the Edinburg campus.
“[Guajardo is] going to talk about how her identity has really shaped and formed this beautiful event to honor Día de los Muertos,” said Raquel Perez, the center’s program manager. “… So, she’s going to talk about how CSP can be used in the classroom, and how you can use it in different ways, not only for education.”
Perez said they are also excited to have Guajardo lead a master class in the dance fusion style that Ballet Nepantla is known for at noon Monday.
Their goal is to offer students “an opportunity to really engage with an artistic director and [learn] how she made this dance come to life,” she said.
Spots for the master class are limited, so Fine Arts students interested in registering for the class may contact cmas@utrgv.edu for more information.
The centerpiece of the day will be the performance “Mística,” from Ballet Nepantla’s repertoire that delves into the traditions and symbolism of Día de los Muertos.
“When we think about the community, we think about our home and where we come from, so we wanted to bring that rich culture into the community,” Perez said. “… Día de los Muertos plays a big role in our area … and [‘Mística’] tells a story of how it began and how it evolved with time. … So, I think it really identifies with who we are, and it allows some space for the community.”
Diaz added that Día de los Muertos “has a long tradition that’s pre-Columbian. … And of course, it’s very distinctly and iconically, you know, Latinx, Mexican American, mexicano, mexicana.”
“… You know, it’s something that’s … become more known because of popular culture, the [movie] ‘Coco’ in particular.” Diaz said. “So, this is not only … a celebration of the holiday, but it’ll provide some context for it … and also just a true joyful examination of this incredibly rich aspect of Mexican American culture [and] Latinx life.”
The event’s inclusive nature is a point of pride for the organizers.
“Our event at night is for everyone, for the whole community,” Diaz said. “It’s free and open to the public. And so, we’re talking about, you know, people at a college age, people who are older, people who are bringing their children–so, for families. … Invite your primos, primas. We hope to see everybody there.”
