Yvonne Montoya
Choreographer. Writer. Speaker. Mother.

Pandemic Motherhood is now out. Turn to Chapter 16 to read my contribution. I wrote this chapter to document the long, difficult, and deeply joyful days of working as a dance artist while mothering at home during the pandemic. Like so many artist-parents, I was balancing Zoom school, supporting my family, holding space for company dancers and administrators, and transitioning an entire creative practice online all at once. In the midst of quarantine, my son and I created toge

This winter, I’m honored to be a Visiting Artist at Colorado College, creating new work with students and communities across Colorado. The process unfolds in studios, classrooms, and community spaces. Working with dancers in Pueblo at El Centro Cultural Quinto Sol, and in collaboration with local community leaders in Colorado Springs. Rooted in land and lived experience, the work asks:"Who are we when the piñon trees vanish?" Grateful for the students, collaborators, and comm

✨2025 Tour✨ 🙏Deep gratitude for the artists, presenters, collaborators, and communities who made Stories from Home possible. 💛 Every step carries memory. Every performance builds connection. 🌵 We’re excited to keep sharing these stories, reach out if you’d like to bring Stories from Home to your community.

I want to introduce you to Lucy Salazar, a Master Teacher and Dance Elder whose presence, knowledge, and generosity have shaped generations of dancers in the Southwest. These images capture Lucy leading Bailes de Salón de Nuevo México alongside the musicians Tíos Míos, which took place last August in Albuquerque, NM. Being in the room learning, listening, and moving alongside her was a powerful reminder that these dances live through shared experience and care. Grateful to wi

Yvonne Montoya's article titled, Disappearing Dances: Los Bailes de Salón de Nuevo México, was featured in Stance on Dance. This article highlights the work of master teacher and culture bearer Lucy Salazar. Salazar is   single handedly trying to save Los bailes de salón de Nuevo México, or the folk dances from New Mexico from disappearing. Read more about it here !

Stepping out of 2025 and dancing into 2026! As the new year begins, we’re carrying gratitude, stories, and movement forward into new creation, deeper connection, and continued joy in motion. Thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to share what’s ahead. Here’s to grounded feet, open hearts, and dancing into the new year together!

🎄Safos Dance Theatre wishing you a warm and joyful holiday season ❤️ We are so grateful for your continued support and for the community that surrounds this work. ☕ May your days be filled with cozy moments, shared laughter, and time with loved ones. 💫 Sending you light, rest, and joy as the year gently comes to a close.

On the road in Southern New Mexico 🚗✨ Dance in the Desert data collection trip is underway: Roswell & Hobbs ✔️  Next up: Carlsbad, Ruidoso, Las Cruces & more 🌵💛 We love hearing your stories and learning how to better serve the Southwest communities that inspire us every day 🤍

GivingTuesday Would you like to make a meaningful impact on the Arizona and Southwest dance communities? In the spirit of giving, we’re asking for a donation of any size to support the work of our projects Stories from Home and Dance in the Desert. Donations accepted through Paypal Giving Fund! Link is in our bio on instagram! All donations to Safos Dance Theatre are tax-deductible, offering you a chance to give back while enjoying potential tax advantages. You can also suppo

Mark your calendars for First Friday at Phoenix Art Museum! ✨ Join us this Friday, December 5th for an evening of art, light, and storytelling with Safos Dance Theatre. 🕯️Luminaria Workshop: 5:00pm 💃🏼Performance: 6:30pm — featuring excerpts from Stories from Home Come experience movement, memory, and Southwest stories brought to life. We can’t wait to share this work with you! 🌵🏜️