Reminiscing on Noche de Baile and Stories From Home

On August 27, 2024, I had the honor of participating in Noche de Baile, an evening of dance performances featuring six incredible Latine dance companies in San Diego. This independent showcase was part of the Western Arts Alliance (WAA) Annual Conference's Conexiones Track and was a night filled with rich cultural expressions and powerful storytelling.

The event took place at the UC San Diego Wagner Dance Building, Studio 3, where the energy was palpable from the moment the showcase began at 8:00 pm. My piece, Stories From Home, was featured at 9:25 pm, offering a 15-minute glimpse into the narratives that shape our shared histories.

Noche de Baile brought together a vibrant community of artists, including CONTRA-TIEMPO, push/FOLD, Jesús Muñoz Flamenco, Vanessa Sanchez y La Mezcla, and Cuauhtemoc Peranda of Weaving Spirits Fest. Each company brought their unique voice to the stage, creating a tapestry of Latine experiences that resonated deeply with the audience.

My showcase featured excerpts from Stories From Home, a work that holds immense personal significance for me. It was a privilege to share these stories in such a supportive and dynamic environment.

The showcase was produced by CONTRA-TIEMPO in comunidad with WAA's Conexiones, David Herrera Performance Company, and the incredible performing artists and companies involved. Special thanks to Karina Sainz for her invaluable contributions to making this event possible.

The evening was a beautiful reminder of the power of dance to connect us, to honor our roots, and to celebrate the diversity within our community. It was an unforgettable experience, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.