Mística

Performance Length: 60 minutes

Ballet Nepantla originated from a series of talks between founders Andrea Guajardo and Martín Rodríguez, two artists whose early professional identities emerged from distinct genres: Andrea from classical ballet and contemporary dance, and Martin from traditional Mexican Folklórico. They envisioned a new form of expression that fused the two modalities and an aesthetic that would speak to the historical, cultural, and social realities of a broader narrative of being Mexican, Mexican American, immigrant, and trans-cultural. They chose Nepantla, a Nahuatl term, as the company name. Nepantla means to be in a space of in-betweenness, a liminal space that inspires the company’s creativity. 

“Mística” honors our ancestors by celebrating the creative and spiritual energies of our indigenous, Afro, and Hispanic roots. It commemorates the traditions of Día De Muertos and transports the audience into the afterlife through the use of blacklight and Ballet Nepantla’s unique fusion of ballet folklorico and contemporary dance.

STUDY GUIDE

NC Standard Course of Study Connections: 

Arts Education Standards — Dance K–12 

• CN.1 — Explore and relate artistic ideas and works to past, present, and future societies and cultures (understand how dance reflects cultural traditions and celebrations)
• PR.1 — Interpret dance works through embodied understanding (experience traditional movement vocabulary from Mexican culture)
• CN.1.2 — Compare dance forms from various cultures and time periods
• CN.2 — Examine social, cultural, and historical contexts of dance 

Arts Education Standards — Visual Arts K–8 

• CN.1 — Understand visual arts in cultural contexts (explore symbolism in cultural celebrations: sugar skulls, marigolds, ofrendas) 

Social Studies Standards 

• K–2: Culture — Understand cultural similarities and differences
• 3–5: 4.C.1 — Explain how cultural traditions influence communities
• 6–8: 6.C&G.1 — Understand how cultural beliefs influence societies
• 9–12: WH.C.1 — Understand cultural traditions and their historical significance 

All Durham Public Schools reservations will be made by the school-designated Arts Liaison. The Arts Liaison was appointed by each school principal to coordinate this effort. Please contact your principal for further action.

Online reservations end five days prior to a performance date. Tickets will still be sold at the box office on the date of the event, dependent upon availability. Please email us for availability at efan@carolinatheatre.org.