Máscaras y Milagros: The Ordway to present a series of events in October to celebrate the rich Mexican culture in Minnesota

Máscaras y Milagros: The Ordway is pleased to present a series of events in October to celebrate the rich Mexican culture in Minnesota! The title reflects the elements of duality that are present in the lives of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, which will be addressed through various topics relevant to the community.

Here are some events to put on the calendar:

Cultural Conversations

All of the Cultural Conversations listed below are FREE and open to the public.

Mexican Music in Minnesota

Friday, October 12, 7-8:30pm

El Nuevo Rodeo, 2709 East Lake Street, Minneapolis

FREE and open to the public

Artist and community leader Maya Santamaria presents on history and depth of Mexican and Chicano music in Minnesota, featuring dance demonstrations of select genres.

Following the event, attendees are welcomed by El Nuevo Rodeo to stay and enjoy the evening activities and nightclub experience, including a dance class on regional Mexican social dance forms, such as norteño, banda and cumbia grupera!

An Evening with Lila Downs

Tuesday, October 16, 7-8:30pm

East Phillips Park Cultural and Community Center, 2307 17th Ave. S, Minneapolis FREE and open to the public

Jose Luis Villaseñor, Executive Director of Latino-led environmental justice initiative Tamales y Bicicletes, facilitates a conversation with renowned vocalist and activist Lila Downs on the rights of indigenous peoples and the sacred circle of earth, and the strategies used by Ms. Downs to weave these themes into her music.

Removing the Mask: Immigration Redefined

Thursday, October 18, 7-8:30pm

University of Minnesota, La Raza Student Cultural Center in Coffman Memorial Union (Room 211)

300 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis

FREE and open to the public

In partnership with University of Minnesota’s La Raza Student Cultural Center, Ana Luisa Fajer, Cónsul of the Mexican Consulate, and Jimmy C. Patiño, Jr., Assistant Professor of the Department of Chicano Studies at the University of Minnesota, will present on immigration topics within the Mexican community. They will talk about the history of Mexican immigration to Minnesota and how the Mexican community has mobilized and organized to reach the place they are today.

Honoring Our Identities

Friday, October 19, 7-8:30pm

Macalester College (Weyerhaeuser Boardroom), 1600 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul

FREE and open to the public

Artist/activist Lupe Castillo facilitates a discussion and performance with Palabristas, Mexican and Latino spoken word artists based in the Twin Cities. Within their art, they carry the legacy of Mexican, Peruvian, Indigenous, Queer, Immigrant, and Activist identities. They will speak about the unveiling of masks and the acceptance of miracles within their community’s identity.

 Dance Classes

 

Classes are $10 or FREE with a ticket to one of the three October World Music and Dance performances at the Ordway.

Call the ticket office to reserve tickets to performances and classes: 651-224-4222.

Mexica Azteca Dance Class

Monday, October 15, 6:30-7:30pm

Ordway’s Drake Room

345 Washington Street, Saint Paul

(Please enter through Ordway’s Stage Door on 5th Street)

In this all-abilities dance workshop, students learn the symbolism and steps of traditional Mexica (Aztec) dances with Cenoch Quiroz, dancer and founder of Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli, a traditional Mexica dance and drum circle. All levels of dancers, ages eight and up, are encouraged to attend.

Delfos Modern Dance Class

Monday, October 22, 6:30-8pm

Ordway’s Drake Room

345 Washington Street, Saint Paul (Please enter through Ordway’s Stage Door on 5th Street)

Company members of Delfos Danza Contemporánea will teach a mixed technique class,focusing on the development of an organic, free-flowing style of movement. Their movement approach fosters a deeper understanding of the individual body, thereby facilitating the use of instinct, sensory perception, emotions and imagination in dance. Dance experience suggested.

Latin Social Dance Class

Friday, October 26, 5:30-6:30pm

Ordway’s Drake Room

345 Washington Street, Saint Paul

(Please enter through Ordway’s main entrance)

Manuel and Carmen Rubio teach social partner dances from the Caribbean and Latin America.

Attendees to this class are encouraged to enjoy the rest of the evening at the Ordway, by purchasing a ticket to the performance of Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band.

For more information on these events, please visit http://www.ordway.org/mexicanarts/