Calpulli Mexican Dance Company Presents NAVIDAD: A MEXICAN-AMERICAN CHRISTMAS

Calpulli Mexican Dance Company is developing a new production by Artistic Director Alberto Lopez Herrera and Co-Founder Juan Castaño celebrating the holiday traditions experienced by a young person of Mexican immigrant parents growing up in New York City that will be presented at the Thalia Spanish Theatre from November 30 through December 16, 2018. From Aztec-inspired dance to Christmas carols, the youngster tries to bring their two worlds together. In a dream, they imagine the fusion of Mariachi music with Tchaikovsky, folk dance with ballet, and the wonderment of their two cultures. But a tempting character preaches the separation of these customs, and the youngster must choose. The company of 16 dancers and core of musicians led by Calpulli's Music Director George Saenz return to the Thalia Spanish Theatre with "NAVIDAD: A Mexican-American Christmas." The entirely new program tells a story with commissioned works by Mexican and Mexican-American guest choreographers with new musical arrangements and original works.

Three Weeks Only! November 30 To December 16
Fridays & Saturdays 8pm; Sundays 4pm
Tickets $45; Students & Seniors $42; Special Group Rates
Fridays Only Tickets $40; Students & Seniors $37

At THALIA SPANISH THEATRE
41-17 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside (Queens)
Subway # 7 Local to 40th St. Station. Buses Q60, Q32 to Queens Blvd & 41st St.
INFORMATION & TICKETS (718) 729-3880 www.thaliatheatre.org

"Audiences will see how someone born in the USA may experience their parent's seemingly foreign culture and can be torn about their own cultural identity," said Mr. Lopez. He continued, "That is, until they discover that these qualities make them stronger. We are so excited to show the traditions of Mexico like posadas and villancicos as well as popular holiday music from the USA and dances inspired by the famous Nutcracker. We also can't wait to hear from audiences about how we blend these influences together in our world of fantasy."

NAVIDAD will feature commissioned choreographic works by Grisel Pren Monje, Rehearsals Director with Calpulli; Francisco Graciano formerly of the Paul Taylor Dance Company; Javier Dzul, Artistic Director of Dzul Dance Company and Mr. Castaño, Co-Founder of Calpulli. Costumes are designed by Mr. Lopez with additional costume design by Amanda Gladu, Animation and Scenery by Ariel Rodriguez, and Lighting Design by Carolina Ortiz.

"Calpulli's stories are told through dance and music and have always dealt with love," said Managing Director Mr. Castaño,." NAVIDAD is no different, but it tells of love for family, for the multifaceted influences around us, and for oneself. We hope children of immigrant families see themselves reflected in our story, and we hope immigrants feel celebrated and also empathize more with identity formation when two or more cultures influence a young person."

Angel Gil Orrios, Artistic/Executive Director of the Thalia Spanish Theatre affirms: "CALPULLI's dancers and musicians are very talented. They are true ambassadors of Mexico's art & culture. It's a pleasure and a privilege for us to present a new production after our previous sold-out run. We're happy our audience really wanted them back, as we say in show business, by popular demand".

Calpulli Mexican Dance Company marks its 15th anniversary in 2018. The performances will mark the third season between the partners beginning in 2014. Up next for the Company will be the premiere of "Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo" in April 2019, a new work funded by the New England Foundation for the Arts. It will make its European debut in May 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey.

CALPULLI Mexican Dance Company celebrates the rich diversity of Mexican and Mexican-American cultural heritage through dance and live music. Founded in 2003, the company tours from coast-to-coast in the USA and made its international debut in 2013 in the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Middle East. At its performance at Lincoln Center Out of Doors in August 2015, Calpulli was hailed a "terrific company" by Dance Critic Brian Siebert of the New York Times. www.calpullidance.org