Nepantla: Magia Ancestral
Embarking on a new artistic journey, we are excited to present a duet collaboration with Atlanta-based artist Julio Medina. We explore a metaphysical world together, drawing from Mexico’s tradition and popular culture. We deconstruct the archetypal figures of healer, witch, and shapeshifter, unveiling memories rooted in our shared experiences as artists of Mexican background living in the diaspora.
Nepantla is a liminal space, a Nahuatl word that means “ni de aqui ni de alla,” or “nor here, nor there.” Between and across borderlands, an already mutable identity keeps shapeshifting; however, from the foldings of our skin, like whispers, the voices of our “abuelas” come forward, reminding us who we are.
“This duet shifts the atmosphere and reminds us of the power that stems from dancers who are grounded, not just in technique, but in the art of dance.”
– Mark Travis Rivera, Disabled Choreographer + Storyteller
“… harmonious blending of
past-present,
body-spirit,
narrative-spontaneity,
power-sensitivity
grace – grit …”
George Staib, Professor of Practice
Emory Dance Program | Department of Theater and Dance
“…Truly exquisite. It was a beautiful collaboration…”
Dr. Mara Mandradjieff, Dance Scholar at Emory University and Associate Editor of Dance Chronicle
“..The final work celebrated transformation and magic in Mexican folklore in a riveting duet created and performed by Medina and guest artist Salome Nieto…”
“…Nepantla: Magia Ancestral, created and performed by Medina and Salome Nieto, a Vancouver-based dancer and choreographer who, according to her website, is heavily influenced by butoh and the cultural syncretism of her native Mexico. She was a revelation. It was hard to take one’s eyes off her, with her slow, sinuous walks and a quality that was alternately fierce, commanding and tender. She became a snake, as she and Medina, standing close together, removed their large cloaks as if shedding skin, only to slip into them again and again, as if engaged in a ritual of growth, time, life and death…”
Gillian Anne Renault is ArtsATL’s senior editor for music and dance and has been an ArtsATL contributor since 2012.
https://www.straight.com/listings/events/1449868
https://www.createastir.ca/articles/vancouver-latin-american-cultural-centre-latin-expressions-sc
https://www.createastir.ca/articles/vancouver-latin-american-cultural-centre-latin-expressions-sc