Ballet Nepantla will perform “Valentina" in San Antonio as part of an 8-city Texas tour that runs February 21 – March 5. Fans and followers of this New York City-based dance company can experience a story ballet, during Women’s History Month, that highlights the role of women during Revolutionary Mexico.
“Valentina” delves into themes of wealth and power, hope and despair, and the struggle women embodied during a period of extraordinary tumult. Ballet Nepantla’s world-class dancers use innovative choreography and exquisite costume design to tell evocative stories of soldaderas who experienced tremendous loss, and yet fought to maintain family, dignity and honor. The performance fuses traditional ballet folklórico with contemporary ballet that hits at the heartstrings of people from all cultures. “Valentina” embraces experiences on both sides of the borderland and celebrates the culture and history of immigrants and Latinx people.
Ballet Nepantla was founded by Texas native Andrea Guajardo and Mexican born Martin Rodriguez. Andrea was born and raised in South Texas where she began her training in ballet and folkloric dance at the Dancentre of Edinburg. At 17, she moved to New York City to study at the Ailey School and Fordham University where she earned a BFA in dance. Upon graduating in 2013, she joined Momix and toured across the world until 2017, when she founded Ballet Nepantla. Martin is originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. As co-founder, choreographer, and dancer, Martin brings in-depth knowledge and vast experiences of the traditional dances of Mexico.
Additional dancers include Anthony Bocconi from Brooklyn, NY; Maricarmen Betancourt from Los Angeles, CA; Brizaida Garcia from Palmview, TX; Guadalupe Garza from Edinburg, TX; Maria Gracia Perez from Lima, Peru; Sarah Gresik from Bolingbrook, IL; Francesca Iannelli from McAllen, TX; Erick Perales from Pharr, TX; Dan Westfield from McAllen, TX and Jorge Naranjo who was born in Guadalajara and raised in California’s Central Valley.
Ballet Nepantla’s “Valentina” takes place March 5 at the Jo Long Theatre for the Performing Arts at the Carver Community Cultural Center. Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com, the Alamodome and the Carver Community Cultural Center Box Office M-F, 8 am - 4 pm at 226 N. Hackberry. For information call 210-207-2234.
Ballet Nepantla’s “Valentina” is presented by the Latino Foundation of the San Antonio Area Foundation. The Latino Foundation’s mission is to enhance Latino economic, cultural, civic and philanthropic leadership. Additional support is provided by the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, the Instituto Cultural de Mexico, Texas Public Radio, Telemundo and Westside Sol Newspaper.
Ballet Nepantla’s Texas tour includes 12 performances starting February 21. Shows are scheduled in Dallas, Garland, San Marcos, Bruni, Los Fresnos, Edinburg, Laredo and San Antonio. Visit BalletNepantla.com for a complete tour schedule.