In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month in September, the Chicano/Latino Studies Program at Michigan State University and the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan, along with other departments on campus, partnered to present an inclusive family event featuring Ballet Nepantla on Friday, Sept. 15 at the Wharton Center on campus.
Ballet Nepantla is a professional dance company based in New York City that fuses contemporary dance with Mexican folklórico to enrich the cultural and historical meaning in traditional dancing.
“This particular event seeks to underscore not only the wealth of Latinx heritage, but also their contributions, including social, political, cultural, scientific and, in this case, the arts,” said Isabel Ayala, Chicano/Latino Studies Program director.
This event hopes to highlight upbringings in the Latinx community and showcase the cultural importance of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with Ballet Nepantla’s presentation of Mística. The performance under blacklight will allow the audience to immerse itself in folklore and history of the vibrant colors’ meaning and significance while also understanding MSU’s commitment to community engagement.
As the Latinx population continues to grow across Michigan, the importance of Hispanic/Latinx programming is crucial for representation and cultural enrichment.
“This programming allows for our impact, and presence to not be ignored. Hispanic/Latino programming reminds our elderly that their fights have not been forgotten and reminds our youth to honor our heritage in the present,” said Isabel Montemayor-Vazquez, the executive director of the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan. “In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the commission has chosen to bring a world-renowned dance troupe to Michigan. Ballet Nepantla presents a synergistic celebration crossing geographic, historical and artistic borders.”
The Hispanic/Latino Commission sponsored this free public event at the Wharton Center in collaboration with the College of Social Science, Chicano/Latino Studies Program and Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion.
