Press Releases 2008

CONTACT:  Jana Marcus, Marketing & Communications
(831) 479-5744
jamarcus [at] cabrillo.edu

August 18, 2008

Cabrillo College Presents Evening of Mexican Folkloric Dance and Music
Esperanza Del Valle Dance Company Performs with Los Angeles Musicians Los Xochisoneros
Saturday, September 20 at 8:00 PM, Cabrillo College Theater.

Aptos, CA—Cabrillo College Theatre Arts presents the Second Annual Evening of World Theatre and Dance with Mexican folkloric dance company Esperanza del Valle on September 20 at the Cabrillo Theater at 8:00 PM.

For over 28 years, the mission of Esperanza del Valle and its artistic director Janet Johns, has been to cultivate and promote pride and understanding of the Mexican culture through rich folkloric dances. Esperanza De Valle is recognized on both sides of the Mexico/U.S. border as the leader and pioneer company of the “dance drama” or choreodramas—a unique artistic dance which blends tradition with modern forms of expressions. Throughout the company’s long history they have studied and worked with internationally recognized masters of Mexican folkloric dance as well as having traveled to remote regions of Mexico in an effort to further their research and maintain the authenticity of the dances they bring back to the community they serve.

The company takes great pride in cherishing the values of tradition, community and leadership by celebrating and pioneering the folklore of the Mexican Dance in the Pajaro Valley and sharing these rich dances of with schools, institutions, public service agencies and local performing art groups.

“Our performance at Cabrillo will be an interpretation of a variety of Mexican “sones” from the Huasteca, Veracruz, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nayarit,” explains artistic director Janet Johns.

Recognized for its diversity, culture and popularity, the “son” is the manifestation of traditional Mexican music and dance. Each pueblo's “son” reflects a mixing of the indigenous, European and African roots expressed so distinctly through its music, dance, verses, and movement.

“Imagine yourself at a fandango in Veracruz where the musicians surround the small tarima where dancers engage in competitive footwork,” continues Johns, “Or, in the Huasteca region, where you might hear Trío Camalotes improvising verses to the audience's delight. In Tixtla, Guerrero, the tarima is the center of activity, where the dancers imitate the movement of animals such as the dove, vulture, bull and iguana. In Nayarit, the dancers demonstrate their skills while balancing glasses and bottles on their heads, and the men dazzle the audience with challenging showmanship with the machete.”

The dance drama will be accompanied by Los Angeles musicians Los Xochisoneros, who specialize in music from the Mexican Caribbean. Founded by musician and anthropologist, Hector Marquez and musicologist, Efren Luna, Los Xochisoneros are part of a cultural musical institute based in the Los Angeles area with the purpose of educating, training, developing and sharing the traditional “son” with their community. They have produced two music CDs, one of son jarocho music from the Sotavento region of Veracruz, Mexico, and the other features regional dances of Mexico produced out of a performance with Esperanza del Valle. This will mark their eighth annual performance accompanying the Esperanza del Valle dancers.

What: Esperanza Del Valle – Mexican Folkloric Dance Comapny

When: Saturday, September 20 at 8:00 PM

Where: Cabrillo College Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA

Price: $15 general, $12 seniors/students, $10 w/student activity card

Tickets: 479-6331 or www.ticketguys.com

About Cabrillo College
Cabrillo Collegeis a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County with locations in Aptos, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. It is ranked #1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz. Founded in 1959, the college offers over 100 academic and career technology programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certificates of proficiency, skills certificates, transfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Our mission is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our diverse community by assisting all students in their quest for lifelong learning and success in an ever-changing world.

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