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Nepantla is a liminal space, a Nahuatl word that conveys the idea of being "ni de aquí ni de allá," or "neither here, nor there."
The performers liken the experience of being a Mexican descendant in the United States and Canada to being a witch: othered, out of place. It represents the in-between and across borderlands; the gentle whispers of our "abuelas" emerge from within the depths of our being, guiding us to remember our true selves. This dance creates a revitalization ritual and highlights the sacred connection with our body as a form of power, growth, and love.
Working across generations and dance forms, Julio’s background in street dance comes into conversation with Salomé’s butoh practices.
Butoh has been a consistent part of VIDF since its inception as a butoh dance festival in 1998. VIDF Founders Jay Hirabayashi and Barbara Bourget spearheaded this movement in Vancouver, as butoh practitioners themselves and as co-founders of long standing post-Butoh company, Kokoro Dance. With a close connection and collaboration with originators in Japan, Barbara and Jay trained and engaged several dancers through multiple generations, including VIDF Co-Director, Deanna Peters, and Nepantla co-creator, Salomé Nieto, who has been working with Kokoro for over 25 years and is currently Artistic Associate with the company.
Salomé Nieto, Julio Medina; photo Shannel Resto
Chosen as one of the top 9 shows to see in Atlanta this past year!
"A mesmerizing journey into the choreographers' Mexican heritage. Guest artist Salomé Nieto 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." Arts Atl
“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
