“Reinforcing Cultural Identity,” a conference packed with classes, performances and more is set to run Aug. 15-25 at various venues within Cabrillo College, PVUSD and the City of Watsonville.
Having recently returned from Veracruz, Mexico, local Esperanza del Valle members, Janet Johns, Ruby Vasquez and Leti Ponce and Dr. John Graulty and David King of Cabrillo College have now set the stage to welcome the Ballet Folklórico del Puerto de Veracruz and musicians, Nematatlin of the Universidad Veracruzana to Aptos and Watsonville for a conference that includes dance and music classes, community events and gala theater performances. Participants do not have to have a music or dance background.
Representatives from Esperanza del Valle and Cabrillo College recently signed a four-year pact with the Universidad Veracruzana in the Visual, Applied and Performing Arts.
“Our dance company has been collaborating with dancers and musicians in Veracruz for 35 years,” said Johns, the Artistic Director of EDV. “Because Cabrillo College is a designated Hispanic Serving Institution it is important that we recognize and celebrate the culture of 50% of our students by establishing this collaboration.”
Johns added that the conference is the kick-off event for a four-year project.
INFO BOX
CLASSES:
- Open Studio 8/16 6-8pm – Learn about Veracruz culture and dance at Cabrillo College Watsonville Center 318 Union St.
- Dance Classes 8/19-22 (Beginner, intermediate & advanced levels) 6:30-8:30pm Youth classes in Watsonville. Adult classes in Aptos. Space still available
- Music Classes 8/19-22 (Beginner, intermediate & advanced levels) 6:30-8:30pm Offered by Nematatlin musicians. Jarana, requinto/guitar, harp, violin and versada jarocha/voice. Youth and adult sessions in Aptos, Cabrillo College
- Master Level Dance Seminar- 8/21-8/23, 6:30-8:30pm For professional dancers and directors of folklorico groups, taught by Angeles Luna and Daniel del Valle, Aptos
PERFORMANCES (wheelchair accessible)
Gala Performance “ROSTROS DE MEXICO”at the Mello Theater 250 E. Beach St. Watsonville 8/17 at 8pm & 8/18 at 3pm
Gala Performance “RAICES DEL PUEBLO”at Crocker Theater 6500 Lower Perimeter Road, Aptos 8 at 8pm & 8/25 at 3pm
● Community Event “Todos Bailan Su Son & Fandango” 8/23, 5-8pm a community celebration 5pm at Watsonville Plaza, Main St. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
To register for classes and tickets for theater performances visit https://esperanzadelvalle.weebly.com/
