Monarcas

Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s Monarcas

2 Queens Theatre Thanks Its Major Funders Queens Theatre’s year-round programming and operations are made possible through the generous support of Howard Gilman Foundation, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. These contributors provide Queens Theatre with a consistent foundation that allows us to bring artistically and culturally significant programs and performances to the Queens community. Theater programming is funded, in part, by The Shubert Foundation and the Jerome Robbins Foundation. Dance programming is funded, in part, by the Mertz Gilmore Foundation. Additional programmatic support provided by: ADCO Electrical Corporation Association for a Better New York (ABNY) CDML Computer Services, Ltd. Con Edison Crystal Window and Door Systems Delta Air Lines Dramatists Guild Foundation Eileen Foy Farrell Fritz, P.C. Frances A. Resheske Gary and Marcie Kesner Ginsburg & Misk

3 Hardesty & Hanover, LLC Kaufman Astoria Studios Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP Kupferberg Foundation Mark and Dina Misk ME Engineers Metro Management Development Michael James Industries, Inc. Michael Lou Group NYC & Company Plaxall, Inc. Queens County Savings Bank Resorts World Silvercup Studios The MBS Group Tonio Burgos & Associates USTA Billie Jean King Center

4 Calpulli Mexican Dance Company “Monarcas” Artistic Director & Co-Founder Alberto C. Lopez Herrera Music Director & Composer George Saenz Associate Artistic Director & Choreographer Grisel Pren Monje Associate Music Director Alí Bello Stories & Choreography by Alberto C. Lopez Herrera & Juan Castaño Dramaturg & Guest Choreographer Gabriela Garcia Guest Choreographers Miriam Barbosa & Carlos Islas Projections Carolina Ortiz Lighting Designer Alexandra Vásquez Dheming Scenery & Props Rodrigo Hernandez Costuming and Wardrobe Amanda Gladu & Melanie Wong Cast Company E Soldiers: Christopher Cortez, Javier Rochel, José María Rojas, Daniel Vasquez, Criis Vega, Yisel Xique Ensemble: Andre Deosaran, Crystal Deosaran, Cindy Garcia, Adina Lopez, Yhasmine Moran, Carbin Palafox, Lucero Velazquez; Apprentices: Pamela Bernal, Victoria Leon

5 Viñedos Matriarch/Matriarca: Cindy Garcia Mariposa Monarca: Grisel Pren Monje Daughter & Son-in-law: Adina Lopez, Daniel Vasquez Ensemble: Juan Castaño, Christopher Cortez, Andre Deosaran, Crystal Deosaran, Carlos Islas, Desiree Lopez, Yhasmine Moran, Carbin Palafox, Javier Rochel, José María Rojas, Criis Vega, Lucero Velazquez, Yisel Xique; Apprentices: Sydney Almeida, Pamela Bernal, Victoria Leon, Hugo Corona Zepeda Understudy: Nina Deacon Musicians Luisa Bastidas (Violin) Roger Garcia (Trumpet) Yayo Serka (Drums) Ludovica Burtone (Violin) Yahir Montes (Voice/Guitar) Marilyn Castillo (Voice/Vihuela) George Sáenz (Voice/Bass)

6 Letter from Co-Founders Alberto Lopez & Juan Castaño Dear Friends, “Monarcas” was born from a need to honor immigrants. Too often in the news and media, immigrants are cast as a burden, a threat, and, worst of all, less than human. We know this to be unjust from our own experiences as immigrants, as children and grandchildren of immigrants, and through the importance of the history of immigration to the USA. Today, we are proud to share two stories that add to this history: one about soldiers and one about winemakers. While the stories are proudly about Mexicans, we hope other groups see the parallels to their own immigrant experiences. With “Viñedos,” Alberto imbued the story with the traditions of the farmers in his own family as a child in Mexico, and connected them with his own experience as an immigrant to the USA. The Matriarch in the story is inspired by his own grandmother- Basilisa - and the Mexican women who founded vineyards in California. With the alebrijes, Alberto sought to connect the magical beings to his ancestors and native American heritage. With “Company E,” Juan was inspired by the legacy of Mexican and Mexican-Americans- both men and women- who serve in all branches of the US armed forces and in particular his father, brother, countless uncles, aunts, and close friends who continue to serve our country. Lastly, we ask that you continue to be a voice for the monarcas in your life. Immigrants are everywhere, and more often than not, you can find them/us nearby contributing to the beauty and richness of our city and community.

7 Carta de los cofundadores Alberto López y Juan Castaño Queridos amigos, “Monarcas” nació de la necesidad de honrar a los inmigrantes. Con demasiada frecuencia, en las noticias y en los medios, los inmigrantes son considerados una carga, una amenaza y, lo peor de todo, menos que humanos. Sabemos que esto es injusto por nuestra propia experiencia como inmigrantes, como hijos y nietos de inmigrantes, y por la importancia de la historia de la inmigración en los Estados Unidos. Hoy, estamos orgullosos de compartir dos historias que se suman a esta historia: una sobre soldados y otra sobre vinicultores. Aunque las historias tratan con orgullo de mexicanos, esperamos que otros grupos vean los paralelismos con sus propias experiencias de inmigración. Con “Viñedos”, Alberto inculcó la historia con las tradiciones de los campesinos de su propia familia cuando era niño en México, y las conectó con su propia experiencia como inmigrante en los Estados Unidos. La matriarca de la historia está inspirada en su propia abuela, Basilisa, y en las mujeres mexicanas que fundaron viñedos en California. Con los alebrijes, Alberto buscó conectar a los seres mágicos con sus antepasados y su herencia nativa americana. Con “Compañía E”, Juan se inspiró en el legado de mexicanos y mexicano-americanos -tanto hombres como mujeres- que sirven en todas las ramas de las fuerzas armadas de EE.UU. y, en particular, en su padre, hermano, innumerables tíos y tías, primxs, y amigos cercanos que siguen sirviendo a nuestro país. Por último, le pedimos que siga siendo una voz para los monarcas en su vida. Los inmigrantes están en todas partes, y la mayoría de las veces, puedes encontrarlos/nos cerca contribuyendo a la belleza y riqueza de nuestra ciudad y comunidad. Con cariño, Alberto Lopez Herrera Artistic Director Juan Castaño Executive Director

8 Program - Monarcas Company E Los Algodoneros Song: Conejito travieso Choreography: Juan Castaño & Gabriela Garcia Music: George Saenz Wardrobe & Costuming: Amanda Gladu, Melanie Wong, & Alberto Lopez Herrera Scenery: Rodrigo Hernandez Basic Training Song: Matachines Choreography: Juan Castaño Music Arrangement: George Saenz Wardrobe: Amanda Gladu, Melanie Wong, Alberto Lopez Herrera, & Rodolfo Hernandez In the Barracks Song: Guajolote acelerado Song: Luz y sombra Choreography: Juan Castaño Music arrangement: George Saenz Wardrobe: Amanda Gladu, Melanie Wong, Alberto Lopez Herrera, & Agustina Juarez

9 Las Cartas Song: Danzon for Juan Choreography: Juan Castaño, Gabriela Garcia, & Grisel Pren Monje Music: George Saenz Wardrobe: Amanda Gladu, Melanie Wong, Alberto Lopez Herrera, & Agustina Juarez War & the Rio Rapido Song: Largo (by Dvorak) Choreography: Juan Castaño Music Arrangement: Ali Bello Wardrobe: Amanda Gladu, Melanie Wong, Alberto Lopez Herrera, & Anibal Becerril Honores Song: Archival recording Choreography: Juan Castaño & Gabriela Garcia Edited by: George Saenz & Desiree Lopez Wardrobe: Amanda Gladu, Melanie Wong, & Alberto Lopez Herrera Intermission Viñedos Braceros de México Song: Las chilenas Song: La mariquita

10 Song: Echale un quinto Choreography: Alberto Lopez Herrera Music arrangement: George Saenz Wardrobe & Costuming: Alberto Lopez Herrera The Dream Song: Adios Mariquita Linda Choreography: Gabriel Garcia Original Music: George Saenz Wardrobe & Costuming: Alberto Lopez Herrera Arriving in Napa Valley Song: Out West Song: Las calabazas Choreography: Alberto Lopez Herrera, Gabriela Garcia, & Carlos Islas Original Music and Arrangement: George Saenz Wardrobe & Costuming: Alberto Lopez Herrera Making Wine Song: Vendimiadoras Song: El jarabe mixteco Choreography: Alberto Lopez Herrera, Grisel Pren Monje, & Gabriela Garcia Music Arrangement: George Saenz

11 Wardrobe & Costuming: Alberto Lopez Herrera The Vineyard Fire Song: Fire starter Song: Incendio Song: Alebrijes Choreography: Miriam Barbosa Original Music: George Saenz Wardrobe & Costuming: Alberto Lopez Herrera Celebrating Our Viñedo Song: Mexika (intro) Song: El bejuquito Song: El paseador Song: La orquidea Choreography: Alberto Lopez Herrera & Carlos Islas Music Arrangement: George Saenz Wardrobe & Costuming: Alberto Lopez Herrera

12 Program Notes/ Synopsis (Sigue en español) Company E In the desert sun of the Texas/Mexico border, cotton-pickers begin before sunrise their day-long work harvesting in the fields, with the snap of each stem adding a small ounce to the large burlap sacks that await a full load. A uniformed man approaches the workers, watches them, and calls them to speak. A few young laborers listen to the promise of a better life–the American dream– and they decide to join the Army. The young laborers arrive at boot camp and are pulled into their rigorous training. Although they are used to hard work, the training brings new challenges, and they struggle and almost falter. They recall their home, the spirit of their community, and persevere, emerging as soldiers. In the barracks, the new soldiers rest for the first time. They share photos of their loved ones, joyously remembering their families and the norteño music of their homes along the border. They are also pranksters, joking and making fun, and bonding as a new family. Their drill sergeant abruptly calls them to attention. They receive letters from their families, the first contact from home since they began training. Each one brings a unique message of love and hope. The soldiers continue their training and soon learn the USA has joined the war in Europe. The members of Company E have tremendous success in their deployment due to their training and dedication. Much like their warrior ancestors, they fight together for their home and for each other. When they arrive at the Rio Rapido in Italy, they face an almost insurmountable challenge. Most do not overcome it. The veteran and hero returns home and receives the first US medal of honor given to a Mexican. After the ceremony, the soldier walks home. Along the way, they relive the voyage remembering the American dream that was promised, their lost brothers and sisters, and the future that awaits. Family and friends welcome the soldier home, feeling the

13 heaviness of his heart. Supportedby his family’s hope, the soldier is inspired and begins to write the story of the members of Company E. [Español] Bajo el sol desértico de la frontera entre Texas y México, los algodoneros comienzan antes del amanecer su jornada de trabajo cosechando en los campos de algodón, con el trueno de cada flor añadiendo una pequeña onza a los grandes sacos de arpillera que aguardan. Un hombre uniformado se acerca a los trabajadores, los observa y los llama para que hablen. Unos cuantos jóvenes trabajadores escuchan la promesa de una vida mejor -el sueño americano- y deciden alistarse en el ARMY. Los jóvenes obreros llegan al campo de entrenamiento y se incorporan a su rigurosa instrucción. Aunque están acostumbrados a trabajar duro, el entrenamiento les plantea nuevos retos, y luchan y casi fallan. Recuerdan su hogar, el espíritu de su comunidad, y perseveran. Se convierten en soldados. En los barracones, los jóvenes soldados descansan por primera vez. Comparten fotos de sus seres queridos, recuerdan con alegría a sus familias y la música norteña de su hogar. También son bromistas y se divierten, y se unen como una nueva familia. Su sargento instructor les llama abruptamente la atención. Reciben cartas de su familia, el primer contacto desde que comenzaron el entrenamiento. Cada carta contiene un mensaje único de amor y esperanza. Los soldados continúan su entrenamiento y pronto se enteran que los Estados Unidos se ha unido a la guerra. Los miembros de la Compañía E tienen un gran éxito en su despliegue gracias a su entrenamiento y dedicación. Al igual que sus antepasados guerreros, luchan juntos por su hogar y por su clan. Cuando llegan al Río Rápido, en Italia, se enfrentan a un reto casi insuperable, que la mayoría no supera. El veterano y héroe regresa a casa y recibe la primera medalla de honor estadounidense concedida a un mexicano. Tras la ceremonia, el soldado camina de regreso a casa. Por el camino, reviven el viaje recordando el

14 sueño americano prometido, a sus hermanos y hermanas perdidos y el futuro que les espera. La familia y los amigos reciben al soldado en casa, sintiendo la pesadez de su corazón. Rodeado de esperanza, el soldado se inspira y comienza a escribir la historia de los miembros de la Compañía E.

15 Directors and Guest Artists Alberto C. Lopez Herrera Artistic Director & Co-Founder Mr. Lopez Herrera is a Choreographer, Costume Designer & Maker, and Teaching Artist with over 30 years of experience in Mexican Folklorico. Originally from San Antonio Chiltepec in Puebla, Mr. Lopez Herrera began his studies of Mexican folkloric dance at the age of 12 at the Centro Escolar Benito Juárez de Acatlán de Osorio. He completed the National Dance Institute’s intensive Teaching Artist training in New York. Mr. Lopez Herrera was a dancer and choreographer with several groups and companies working with distinguished choreographers Francisco Nevarez and Clarissa Marcovich. He continues to create traditional garments used in Mexican folkloric dance. With great attention to detail, he designs garments from across Mexico. His pivotal role in costuming can be seen throughout the company’s repertoire. Under his Artistic Direction, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company performed at noted venues including Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival (Inside/Out Series), Wortham Center (Houston, TX), Humboldt State University, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Penn State Erie, and Lincoln Center Out of Doors, where Dance Critic Brian Siebert hailed Calpulli a “terrific company” after its performance. Mr. Lopez Herrera was named “Star of Queens” by the Queens Courier for his artistic accomplishments and commitment to community arts programming. He was also featured by People en Español in the program “New American Voices” and is a Crain’s NY 2022 Notable Hispanic Leader. He was co-choreographer with Joshua Bergasse and dramaturg of the off-Broadway production “A Crossing.” Most recently, Mr. Lopez Herrera was commissioned by the Ft. Wayne Dance Collective in Indiana for contemporary and folkloric dances telling dia de muertos-inspired stories.

16 Juan Castaño Executive Director & Co-Founder Juan Castaño co-founded Calpulli Mexican Dance Company with the vision of celebrating and serving the Mexican and Mexican-American community across the USA. Mr. Castaño, a native of El Paso, TX, holds an MBA in General Management from the Metropolitan College of New York. He also holds a BA in Chemistry and studied Latin American Studies while at Grinnell College in Iowa. There he also began his studies of folk dance with student instructor Alicia Gonzalez. He continued his training in NYC with several choreographers most notably Noemy Hernandez, Daniel Jaquez, and Alberto Lopez. With over 20 years of dance experience in Mexican folk dance, Mr. Castaño is a Master Teacher with the YoungArts Foundation. In recent years, he is a guest choreographer for Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, setting pieces for several productions and co-writing “Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo’’ and “Navidad: A Mexican-American Christmas,” with the latter pulling from his upbringing on the US-Mexico border. He studied Arts Administration as continuing education at New York University and is a certified Non-Profit Financial Professional via the Fiscal Management Associates. Mr. Castaño is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) via the Project Management Institute. Since 2003, Mr. Castaño has worked as a managing director, teaching artist, grant writing, and producer in the arts and beyond. Specifically, he is currently an Associate Director at Pfizer supporting research and development projects. Castaño is inspired by the quality of the artistic and cultural programming by Calpulli, with whom he is still a dancer. Accessibility of high quality community programs, serving hundreds of students and families, is also a driving force for his dedication to the performing arts.

17 George Saenz Music Director Multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and educator, George Saenz is originally from Laredo, TX. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where he studied music performance and Jazz Composition and currently resides in New York City. He serves as musical director and educator for NYC’s Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, and works as a freelance musician with various acclaimed musical projects in and around NYC, including as Musical Director, trombonist-accordionist and arranger with multi Grammy Awardwinning artist Lila Downs. His travels have led him to performances and productions around the world throughout Europe, Latin America, as well as extensive tours of the United States and Canada. Grisel Pren Monje Associate Artistic Director & Choreographer Grisel Pren Monje is an accomplished, ambitious director, choreographer and teaching artist, adept at leading a team of dancers, choreographing innovative performances, and spearheading the artistic vision of programming. She was born and raised in Cancun, Mexico and always had a strong, passionate love for dance. Beginning her dance training at a young age in local dance studios, she became a professional dancer and entertainer in many of the Resorts in the Riviera Maya. In 2007, at the age of 24, Ms. Pren moved to the United States to study ballet, jazz, and musical theater in New York City under the International student visa program for dance. She worked hard and maximized all the wonderful opportunities in dance that her new life in the states had to offer and has continued her dance training in renowned schools such as Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, The Alvin Ailey school, among others. Since then she has performed and choreographed for several dance companies throughout her dance career and made her Off Broadway debut in 2012 with “Zapata! The Musical” at the New York Musical Festival with a principal role. In 2008, she joined the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, moving up the ranks from dancer/performer

18 to teaching artist, choreographer, to her current role as Associate Artistic Director. At Calpulli, she’s gained solid experience as a dynamic leader and creative innovator. She’s toured with the company, both nationally and internationally. As a teaching artist, Ms. Pren works toward building an appreciation for dance and the arts by providing culturally enriched dance training and classes for children, adolescents, and adults. She currently works as a Dance Teaching Artist for Society of the Educational Arts, Center for Modern Dance Education, New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Calpulli Community. Grisel holds a Mexican Folk Dance teacher certification from El Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez and a Mexican Folk Dance training completion Diploma from El Ballet Folklórico de la Universidad de Colima de el maestro Rafael Zamarripa. Alí Bello Associate Music Director Venezuelan born Alí Bello has become one of the most dazzling and sought after violinists, distinguishing himself for his versatility among different music styles in addition to his well-founded classical training and multidimensional improvisational skills. Since his surge from El Sistema, the musical education program of his country, and after building upon years of experience in New York, he has become a Latin jazz music figure to be reckoned with. During his career, Alí has collaborated and performed with such figures as Johnny Pacheco, Eddie Palmieri, and Paquito D’Rivera. He has also recorded with bands of great tradition such as Orquesta Broadway and Africando as well as modern fusion bands like Alfredo Naranjo y El Guajeo, La Clave Secreta, and Los Jóvenes del Barrio. It is much beyond the amazing Afro Latin rhythms that Alí’s strings reach. He has become a sultry sound in tango, regularly performing with Grammy winner bandoneonist Raul Jaurena, and a regular collaborator on scores with flamenco guitarist Pedro Cortés. His repertoire expands even further to include gypsy jazz and American folk music, as a member of the touring quintet Doc Severinsen & El Ritmo De La Vida. He has also infused the violin into the popular rhythms of

19 R&B, performing live with The Roots, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z. Alí can be heard arranging and collaborating dance beats with Grammy winner producer Louie Vega and artists Anané and Luisito Quintero, as well as recording with award winning groups Aventura and Don Omar. His violin has backed up amazing singers of the stature of Mercedes Sosa, Susana Baca, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Alejandro Fernández, and Cheo Feliciano among others. He could be heard regularly with his Latin jazz sextet The Latin Jazz Liaisons and his new musical concept, The Sweet Wire Band – a blend of electronics and acoustic instruments, which include all his multicultural collaborations as well as expose his Afro Latin roots and Venezuelan heritage. His newest CD released “Inheritance” is now available on all digital platforms. Gabriela Garcia Dramaturg & Guest Choreographer Gabriela García is an artist dividing her time between the TV/Film, theater, dance, commercial and education industries with an extensive international career. On television she has appeared in “Law and Order: Organized Crime” and “SVU,” “New Amsterdam” and “Succession.” She dedicated 12 years of her life as dance captain and ensemble for CHICAGO The Musical on Broadway and National Tours, and the Vienna and Mexico City companies where she performed the role of Velma Kelly. Other Musical theater credits include: On Your Feet, Half Time the musical, Roman Holiday, Carousel, West Side Story, Joseph and the Amazing...Dreamcoat (Germany). Film dance credits include In the Heights, Enchanted and Whatever Lola Wants. Choreography work includes: Desaparecidas- A Mexican Musical, with music by Jaime Lozano, Sweet Charity and CHICAGO (Peru). Associate Choreographer for Public Works’ Twelfth Night; Associate Dir/choreographer for the 2021 Viva Broadway concert in Times Square; Dance Associate for CHICAGO Düsseldorf; Movement Director for Sweeney Todd at the Barrow Street Theater; Dramaturgy for Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s production of “Navidad: A Mexican-American Christmas” and “Monarcas.” She has also directed cabaret shows at Greenroom 42

20 and 54 Below. Gabriela is Co-Founder of R.Evolución Latina and serves on the board of HOLA (Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors). Her voice has been heard in numerous voice-overs for TV and radio spots for the US national Hispanic market and she has recorded over 100 audio-book titles. As a teaching artist her movement and theater dance classes have reached schools across the world. She is a passionate teacher inspiring, mentoring and instilling her values and work ethic to her students and her projects. Her love for yoga and wellness took her to her newest adventure in energy healing as a Reiki and Access Bars® practitioner. Gabriela holds a BA in Performing Arts from Saint Mary’s College of California and is a recipient of El Diario’s Mujeres Destacadas Award. @ dancinvida, www.Gabriela-Garcia.com Miriam Barbosa Guest Choreographer Miriam Barbosa is a former member of the Martha Graham Dance Company and a faculty member at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance and Alvin Ailey School. She has founded Miriam Barbosa Dance formerly known as South Carolina Contemporary Dance Company, choreographing and performing worldwide. Ms Barbosa is known for sharing the stage as well as non-traditional spaces such as Arts Galleries, Museums, Out-Door Spaces in collaboration with visual artists, musicians and poets. Inspired by anti-gravitational sensorial experience, Ms. Barbosa utilizes aerial dance techniques in her choreographies, adding the element of multidimensional depth to contemporary dance, which enhances the audience’s perception and consciousness. She is also a Specialized Master Trainer of Gyrokinesis & Gyrotonic Method for Dancers and she holds an MFA in Architecture & Urbanism from the University of Fine Arts, SP/Brazil. (https://www. miriambarbosa.com)

21 Carlos Islas Guest Choreographer Carlos Islas began dancing at age six. At age 12 he entered the Escuela Nacional de Danza Folklórica, where he served as a representative group dancer for six years. Islas graduated with a degree in Mexican Folklorico from the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes de México. He has performed with several companies in Mexico at venues such as Palacio de Bellas Artes, Auditorio Nacional, Teatro de la Ciudad, Teatro de la Danza, Estadio Azteca y Centro Nacional de las Artes. In 2005, he founded “Estampas de México,” a dance company which has represented Mexico in more than 20 countries on four continents. He has worked as a teacher and choreographer for Calpulli and with the Escuela del Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández, Academia de la Danza Mexicana, y Escuela Nacional de Danza Folklórica. He has judged dance competitions in the Philippines, South Korea and Romania.

22 Artist Bios Dancers Sydney Almeida (Apprentice) is a Mexican American dancer born and raised in NYC. With 18 years of experience, she began dancing Mexican Folklorico as a way to connect to her family and roots. In 2011 she joined Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Nueva York which she credits her training to, along with teachers and investigators from across Mexico. In 2018 her desire to learn led her to produce the first Master Class in NY with Ballet Folklórico de Mexico de Amalia Hernández. She is passionate about educating the community on the diversity and beauty of Mexico by way of dance. This is her debut performance with Calpulli. Pamela Bernal (Apprentice) recently joined Calpulli Mexican Dance Company and has studied dance through Calpulli’s Community program since she was five years old. She has participated in library assemblies with the community classes and has expanded her knowledge in Folklorico throughout the years. Currently she is a student at the City College of New York, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies. She had her stage debut with Calpulli in performances of “Navidad” at Queens Theatre and the Apollo Theater as an advanced student with Calpulli Community. Christopher Cortez is a California native, from the Central Coast, who began his Folklorico training at age 17 in Righetti High’s The Marimba Band and Ballet Folklorico group and then continued at Allan Hancock College where he graduated in 2011 with an AA in Fine Arts: Dance. In 2012 Cortez attended Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and graduated in 2015 with a Certificate in Dance. He continued in his professional career Calpulli and Ballet Nepantla among others. Due to the pandemic, Christopher returned to the West Coast in 2020 and began studying Massage Therapy. He graduated in 2021 from San Diego’s Pacific College of Health & Science and is also certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). He offers his free time

23 to students as a choreographer and to help bridge the gap between dance as a student and a pre-professional/professional. Christopher currently works as a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) and is looking to help those within his community of athletes/dance artists. Andre Deosaran started his Folklorico dance training with the Calpulli Community program in 2011. Andre received “Honorable Mention” from the prestigious YoungArts Foundation 2019 National Competition in the Mexican Folkloric World Dance Forms category. Currently, Andre is a Biomedical Engineering student at the City College of New York. Crystal Deosaran has been a performing artist with Calpulli since 2010. She has performed with the company nationally and internationally at Lincoln Center, Jacob’s Pillow, Town Hall, Apollo Theater, and in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Turkey. Crystal has served as Program Coordinator for the Calpulli Community Program in Staten Island and continues to collaborate in diverse educational and cultural projects. She is currently serving in her first term as a member of Calpulli’s Board of Directors. She works in secondary education. Cindy Garcia started dancing at the age of seven at Callina’s Classical School of Ballet in Astoria, NY. She earned a BA in Drama Theatre and Dance from Queens College, where she had the opportunity to study with Edisa Weeks and Yin Mei and was part of the Queens College competitive dance team. In 2014, she participated in the American College Dance Festival Association representing Queens College with her choreographed flamenco piece “Cinco Flores.” She was also awarded The Farah Marcelus Award for Choreography at Queens College. Carlos Islas began dancing at age six. At age 12 he entered the Escuela Nacional de Danza Folklórica, where he served as a representative group dancer for six years. Islas graduated with a degree in Mexican Folklorico from the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes de México. He has performed with several companies in Mexico at venues such as Palacio de Bellas Artes, Auditorio Nacional, Teatro de la Ciudad, Teatro de la Danza, Estadio Azteca y Centro Nacional de las Artes. In 2005, he founded

24 “Estampas de México,” a dance company which has represented Mexico in more than 20 countries on four continents. He has worked as a teacher and choreographer for Calpulli and with the Escuela del Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández, Academia de la Danza Mexicana, y Escuela Nacional de Danza Folklórica. He has judged dance competitions in the Philippines, South Korea and Romania. Victoria Leon (Apprentice) is a Folklorico dancer born and raised in New York City. Victoria started dancing in her late teenage years with various Mexican Folklorico dance groups such as Ballet Folklórico Xochiquetzal and Ballet Folklórico Nueva Juventud. In February of 2023, Victoria was part of Mexica Danza Folklorica’s Mexican polka dance production, “Asi se baila en el norte’’ at the Chain Theater in NYC. Prior to joining Calpulli this March, Victoria participated in a few adult dance workshops with Calpulli Community in 2018 and 2019. She is excited to premiere Calpulli’s latest dance production, Monarcas, this Spring at The Queens Theatre. Adina Lopez played music from the age of eight and continued until she was 18 years old. Thereafter, she began dancing and joined Ballet Tierra Nueva Mexicana for six years. Adina has been a dancer with Calpulli for 14 years. She credits many different artists who have helped her grow as a dancer and performer learning zapateado, skirtwork, ballet technique, and dance theater from choreographers including Martha Zarate, Daniel Jaquez, and Noemy Hernandez. She has learned about the history of dances, different regional styles, and how to be a teaching artist from Calpulli’s current Artistic Director, Alberto Lopez. Desiree Lopez’s love for dance started in her hometown Acapulco, Mexico. She continued studying Mexican Folklorico Dance, Flamenco, Latin Rhythms, Hip Hop, Heels and various techniques until she graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Theatre. Her love for traditional dance from Mexico drove her to join Calpulli in NYC, and Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles in California. Desiree has performed for international artists such as Nicky Jam, Gente de Zona, Lila Downs, Enrique Iglesias,

25 Blue Face among others, and has danced in TV shows such as “Hoy Dia’’ and Telemundo’s reality show “Asi se Baila’’ . Desiree’s most recent achievements include dancing at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show and at Disney World, and opening her own entertainment company “DSHOW”. Yhasmine Moran is a Mexican indigenous advocate, dancer, teaching artist and choreographer based in NYC. Born in Brooklyn, Yhasmine was raised in Acatlan de Osorio Puebla, Mexico. She earned her BA in Dance at Hunter College and is currently a dancer and rehearsal assistant with Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Yhasmine has performed with the company at Lincoln Center, Town Hall, Queens Theatre, Jacobs Pillow, the New Victory Theater, and the Apollo Theater. In 2022, she was selected as a Latinx emerging artist to be part of the First National Cohort in David Herrera Performance Company’s LatinXtensions program. Carbin Palafox has been dancing ballet Folklorico since the age of seven. She has trained with Calpulli Community for almost 14 years. In addition, she has received jazz and ballet training in both high school and college. Currently Carbin is a film major at Hunter College and is planning on minoring in either Theater or Dance. Javier Rochel was born in El Paso, TX and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. He received a Bachelor in Dance from Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, graduating with honors. Rochel started to dance Mexican Folklorico when he was 11 with different local groups, at the same time he did Musical Theatre productions in Mexico City and his hometown. He was an apprentice with Ballet Folklórico de Mexico de Amalia Hernández and a figure with Mexico’s Compañía Nacional de Danza in the Swan Lake 2018 season. He had done summer intensives with Joffrey Ballet School NY and Texas, Complexions Dance Academy, and ChoreoLab with Ballet Hispánico SoD. Rochel trained with JBS TX under the direction of Thelma Flores from 2019-2021 and BH Pa’lante Scholars Professional Studies directed by Rodney Hamilton from 2021- 2022. Javier is very proud to be a new company dancer with Calpulli

26 Mexican Dance. José María Rojas graduated as an Interpretive dancer in Argentina and as a Folklorico dance instructor. He is a scholarship recipient from the Joffrey Ballet School Contemporary Dance 2015 Summer Intensive program & Contemporary Dance 2015-2016 school year. José enjoyed working as an instructor of Argentinian folkloric dance for the children’s school at St. Peter’s Church in New York City. He has worked with ARIM dance company, ASB Ballet, and currently with Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Daniel Vasquez is from Sonora, México. He started his training and passion for dance and Mexican Folklore at an early age. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to perform as a dancer and show host for companies like “Walt Disney World” “Universal Orlando Resort” “Norwegian Cruise Lines” “Nickelodeon,” and “Disney Live!” Criis Vega is a dreamer, dancer, actor and singer from Oaxaca, Mexico. Raised in Mexico City, he graduated from the National Institute of Fine Arts Mexico (INBA). Vega studied at the Institute for American Musical Theatre NYC, graduating as a Musical Theater Dancer. He has danced on important stages in Mexico City such as Teatro Metropolitan and Auditorio Nacional, sharing the stage with the National Dance Company of Mexico City. His great passion is Musical Theatre and his dream role is Angel from the musical “RENT”. Vega says, “-I just want to thank God, my mom Patricia, my husband Jiravat, my family, friends Quetzalli & Arantza, and me teachers Alberto Peniche, Itzel Gali, Andrew Drost, Michael Minarik, Justin Ramos, Withney Sprayberry & Andrea Herrera for helping me to achieve my dreams.” Make it Shine! Lucero (Luz) Velazquez was born in Queens, NY and raised in her parents hometown in Puebla, Mexico. There, at the age of six, she began to dance Folklorico. She then moved back to New York and joined Ballet Xochiquetzal where she danced for four years and later joined Ballet Nueva Juventud. She joined Calpulli in 2016 and initiated her dance training at Hunter College where she received aBA in psychology with a minor in dance. Velazquez has performed works from Kyle Abraham and

27 participated in intensives by MODP and Contra Tiempo Company. She has worked as a dance specialist with youth of various ages, teaching dance movement and creating works with them. Aside from dancing, Lucero works as a case planner and is a mommy to a one-year-old baby girl. Yisel Xique graduated with a Dance Theater major from the American Musical and Dramatic Arts Conservatory in New York. A student of Calpulli Community since the age of 12, she now not only performs with Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, but also is a teaching artist in training with the company’s Arts-In-Education division. She is grateful for her parents who always pushed and supported her throughout her journey. Hugo Israel Corona Zepeda (Apprentice) is celebrating his first year with Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. He started his dancing journey in Mexico, dancing with youth company Tizalt Ballet in Tizapan, el Alto Jalisco, and competing for two years with the Zamarripa Folkloric Ballet in Guadalajara, Jalisco. He toured the Chapala Lake area for several years, participated in the patron saint festivals in La Manzanilla de la Paz, Jalisco, and had the opportunity to dance with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. He moved to New York in 2016 and found, thanks to his sister-in-law, the community classes that Calpulli offers in Queens. With Calpulli, he will dance on the biggest stage of his career. He tells us that it gives him great emotion to share and represent his Mexican traditions in front of a Mexican-American public. Musicians Luisa Bastidas is a Latin Grammy nominee that gives the violin a unique sound. She was born and raised in Cali Colombia and migrated to New York City in 2000. She has shared the stage with Red Bull World Champion Dancer Bboy Neguin as the resident violinist for the Kinetic Junglist Movement founded by dancer Amy Secada. Ludovica Burtone is classically trained—with a Master of Arts in violin performance from Conservatorio Tomadini in Italy and a postgrad from Barcelona’s Liceu. Ludovica worked with several European orchestras

28 for over 9 years (including the prestigious Orchestra Mitteleuropa and the Orchestra Teatro Lirico di Trieste) before moving to the United States. In addition to her classical training, Ludovica grew up playing and improvising in different musical contexts and has immersed herself in all aspects of jazz studies, completing a diploma in jazz composition at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Since then, she had the opportunity to perform and work with musicians like Jon Batiste, Dave Douglas, Susana Baca, Camila Meza, A. R. Rahman, Arijit Singh, and Dream Theater, to mention only a few. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Boston Opera House, The Jazz Standard, Mezzrow Jazz Club, Café Carlyle, and National Sawdust. Marilyn Castillo is a singer and songwriter from Juarez, Chihuahua and El Paso, TX. She has worked extensively with many Mexican and LatinAmerican musical groups and entities that promote arts and culture throughout NYC. She was awarded a ‘Premios Fama’ in 2019. Living in NYC, and being far from Mexico, she finds that music helps her find herself and it is the perfect vehicle for bringing people together with a sense of unity. Roger Garcia is originally from San Antonio, TX and moved to New York City in 2019 to pursue his music career further after graduating from the University of North Texas. Having played with artists such as Tower of Power, Tito Puente Jr., Christian McBride, Bobby Sanabria, Brad Leali, Tanya Darby, Ruben Ramos, Little Joe, Sunny Ozuna, Augie Meyers and many others. He continues to perform in the NYC metro area and throughout the United States. Yahir Montes is a Mexican musician. He completed a Bachelor of Music with honorable mention, being recognized through the “José Rolón” award as the best student of his generation and graduated with a Masters in Composition and Arrangement from Universidad Tito Puente in Puebla, Mexico. In 2014, he won the award for “Mejor Interprete Local” at the international festival “Guitarromanía”. He has performed as a guitarist, bassist and singer in different cities of Mexico, the United

29 States, Costa Rica and Guatemala. He also performed at Lincoln Center twice, for the American Songbook Series as an invited guest of Grammy Award Winning artist Linda Briceño and for the premiere of “Frida, The Musical”, a musical based on Frida Kahlo’s life. In January 2020, he premiered an hour of unpublished original classical music for different ensembles and instrumental configurations in Mexico. At the end of 2020 he worked as a composer for the movie “New York Christmas Wedding,” released on Netflix during the same year, arranging and producing two songs for the film. He also released his first EP as a singer-songwriter entitled “Vivencias” in 2022, produced the mariachi album “De Donde Vengo” for the mexican-american singer DILIA, and premiered the album B SIDE with his classical guitar compositions.

30 About Calpulli Mexican Dance Company Founded in 2003, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company celebrates the rich diversity of Mexican cultural heritage through dance including live music. Based in New York City, Calpulli produces professional performances via its international touring company, designs arts-in-education experiences in schools, and leads community outreach activities, most notably Calpulli Community which currently operates in Queens, Manhattan, Red Bank, NJ and New Rochelle. The word calpulli (pronounced cawl-pool-lee) is an Aztec word that means “big house,” “clan,” and “family.” We are a calpulli of dancers, musicians, and teachers that, as a non-profit organization, contributes to the city, country, and community we love. To learn more about Calpulli, visit us online at www.calpullidance.org Administration & Management Executive Director & Co-Founder: Juan Castaño Company Manager: Leigh Ann Gann Grant Manager & Development/Compliance Officer: Jay House Bookkeeper: Patricia Burgess Educational Projects Coordinator: Colleen Edwards Board of Directors: Danny Garza (President) Juan Castaño Crystal Deosaran Angelica Guel Alberto Lopez Herrera Juan Rodriguez Julio Urbina Sponsors Calpulli’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on

31 the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council with support from Council Members Tiffany Caban, Shekar Krishnan, Pierina Sanchez, and Jule Won. Additional support for the organization comes from the Howard Gilman Foundation, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the New York Community Trust, the McGraw Foundation, Pfizer, Lyft, and Con Edison, and individual supporters. Calpulli receives in-kind support from Google Ad Words, Materials from the Arts, Shake Shack, and TechSoup. Project support for the premiere of Monarcas has been received from: the National Endowment for the Arts, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, a commissioning grant from the O’Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation, the Harkness Foundation for Dance, Exploring the Metropolis and the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, and individual supporters. Donate to and Support Calpulli! Calpulli Mexican Dance Company is non-profit (501c3) arts organization. Donations from individuals like you are critical to our sustainability and growth. We have a 20th anniversary fundraising campaign on GoFundMe that we hope you can support. Donations can also be made via the QR Code below via Pay Pal, or checks can be made out to “Calpulli Mexican Dance Company” and mailed to 2512 77th St., East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Thank you! Gracias!

32 Queens Theatre Board of Directors Officers Gary Kesner, President The MBS Group Tracy Capune, Vice President Kaufman Astoria Studios Bruce D. Levine, Treasurer Real Estate and Finance Consultant Mark Misk, Secretary Nash Builders, Inc. Alfonso Quiroz Con Edison Members Jennifer Bai Barclays Georgiana Benatti New York Community Bank Salvatore DiMartino New York Community Bancorp, Inc. Cameron R. Hernandez, MD Mount Sinai Queens Susan B. Lipsky Kepco, Inc. Irene Zoupaniotis Farrell Fritz

33 Ex- Officio Members Frances A. Resheske/President Emeritus The Honorable Eric Adams Mayor of the City of New York The Honorable Donovan Richards Queens Borough President Laurie Cumbo NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Jacqueline Langsam Commissioner of Queens Parks City of New York Department Parks & Recreation

34 Queens Theatre Staff Taryn Sacramone, Executive Director Development Bernadette Ott, Development Manager Finance Angelica Rodriguez, Finance Manager James Cooke, Senior Financial Advisor Programming Dominic D’Andrea, Director of Community Engagement Rob Urbinati, Director of New Play Development Richard Hinojosa, Director of Education Mary Archbold, Theatre For All Program Manager Operations Jay Rogers, Director of Operations Connie Baker, Rentals & Events Manager Anthony Lackram, Operations Assistant Charles Bennett, Building Attendant Jorge Toro, Building Attendant William Smith, Building Attendant Front of House Willy Mosquera, House Manager Gabriel Rodriguez, Box Office Supervisor Vasilios Leon, Box Office Assistant Jordi Toro, Box Office Assistant Robert Lavin, Shuttle Service

35 Production Victor Catano, Production Manager Steve Wolf, Assistant Production Manager/Lighting Supervisor Jerry Rodriguez, Sound Associate Jeanmarie Conley, Technical Director