The Guadalupe Dance Company & Mariachi Azteca de America Present First Friday Performances in the Guadalupe Theater

The Guadalupe Dance Company launches its 2018/2019 Season by kicking-off a new series of First Friday performances. First Fridays serve to provide a vibrant cultural experience for locals and tourists alike. Each performance takes place in the historic Guadalupe Theater on the first Friday of every month starting with Celebrando Tradiciones on October 5, 2018, at 8:00pm. Each month will have a different theme; however, the core will be a professional folklorico dance showcase of various Mexican states including rarely performed regions accompanied by Mariachi Azteca de America who will provide live music throughout the entire show.

The Guadalupe Dance Company, now in its 27th year, is led by Dance Company Director, Jeannette Chavez, who is producing each month's showcase with the help of Education Director, Belinda Menchaca, both of whom have been dance company members for over 25 years. Other members have been with the company for over 10 years. Together, they have raised the level of showmanship by attending intensive training workshops across the country, bringing in leading choreographers, and partnering with established folk musicians. In addition, Dance Company members serve as instructors for the Guadalupe Academy dance program teaching the next generation of dancers and cultural performers.

"We are taking the Guadalupe Dance Company to the next level of professionalism as we continue to challenge our team and expand our repertoire," said Chavez. "Each month's show will surprise and impress audiences with beautiful set-designs; live music by our house mariachi Azteca de America; an energetic tech crew; and of course, new bold rhythms we learned from our Mexican mentors this summer."

Learning and presenting new music to accompany the dance company will be the award-winning resident Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center mariachi group Azteca de America. Founded in 2006, Azteca is under the direction of the Guadalupe Academy's Director of Traditional Music, Gino Rivera. Intense rehearsals will culminate in a spectacular live music and dance showcase series not seen in San Antonio in decades. Mariachi Azteca de America is the go-to San Antonio mariachi when major acts are in town. They have opened for La Arrolladora Banda El Limón, La Maquinaria Nortena, Los Huracanes Del Norte, and Los Recoditos for a record breaking 76,000 people. Azteca de América has shared the stage with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Mariachi Sol de Mexico and has accompanied Placido Domingo, Aida Cuevas, Paquita La Del Barrio, Steeven Sandoval and many others. During the week, Rivera leads music classes at the Guadalupe Academy from single instruments to mariachi ensemble and music theory.

The October First Fridays theme, Celebrando Tradiciones, is in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. This event has taken place every year since the dance company's inception and is where the dance company debuts new choreography they learned from folklorico experts from Mexico. The performance will premiere dances from the rarely featured Mexican States of Guanajuato, Oaxaca, Queretaro, Sinaloa, Nuevo Leon, Guerrero and Jalisco. Audiences can expect to be treated to an authentic cultural experience with the rich history and highest of artistic standards. The event will include a Members-Only reception prior to the show.

Tickets range from $10-$25 and can be purchased online at www.guadalupeculturalarts.org. Tables of 4 are $125 each and can be purchased over the phone at 210.271.3151 or in-person at 723 S. Brazos Street, San Antonio, TX 78207. Tickets may also be purchased at the door depending on availability.