¡Vamos a México!

We are excited to begin our first Youth trip since 2019. Led by JUNTOS Programs Director Cristiana Cavallo, and with the help of JUNTOS Alumni Ali Delgadillo and Carolina Aguirre, we have an incredible cohort of 12 high school students from studios and schools in Wyoming, Texas, and Florida. Together, we will engage in daily cultural exchange with local dancers and students from all backgrounds and explore contemporary and traditional Mexican dance forms on top of our additional cultural activities!

Keep reading to learn more about our adventures!

On our first day in Oaxaca, we took in the vibrant sights and sounds as we walked to CEFAO, using the time to get to know one another better. Upon arrival, we were introduced to the CEFAO dancers and directors—Fermin, Carolina, and Mariana. Acknowledging the importance of cultural exchange, we made efforts to communicate not only through dance but also verbally, bridging the gap between languages. The day kicked off with a warm-up class led by JUNTOS Alum Alicia Delgadillo, blending ballet, contemporary, and improvisation, and culminating in a lively game focused on rhythm, eye contact, reflexes, and expression. Rehearsals followed immediately, with each group splitting into their own studios, and even Will joined in to learn a piece from the Booker T. Washington students, further underscoring the themes of unity and collaboration. Our first full run-through of the program was a blast, setting the tone for the day.

In the afternoon, Carolina organized a fantastic city center tour and scavenger hunt. The dancers split into four mixed teams of BTW, DW, and CEFAO members, competed with enthusiasm, and the winning group was rewarded with a basket filled with local Mexican goodies and candy. After a brief rest, we returned to CEFAO for a special opening night dinner. The evening was magical, as CEFAO showcased native songs, traditional dress, and a contemporary folklorico dance performance. The meal was a feast of Oaxacan delicacies, including mole, chapulines, Oaxacan cheese, chocolate, desserts, and horchata. As we dined, music played, and connections deepened naturally. We danced together, shared stories, and laughed, marking the beginning of a genuine bond.

All in all, it was a fulfilling and fantastic first day!

The day started with another walk to CEFAO, where the group split up for some final rehearsals ahead of the evening’s first performance in Oaxaca. The day’s first class was a classic Folklorico session, taught by Jesus and joined by the Ipanti students. It was an intense experience, full of intricate footwork and cardio. This was followed by an inspiring contemporary dance class led by Michaela Ellingson from Dancers’ Workshop in Wyoming, which brought a sense of unity among the dancers. In the evening, the group had their debut performance at the cultural center in San Pablo Huitzo, sharing the stage with local performers who showcased traditional dances like the “Flor de Piña” and “Las Mascaritas.” It was a beautiful night of cultural exchange, capped off with a shared dinner near the hotel.

It was a perfect morning as we took a scenic drive to San Martín Tilcajete, the vibrant town that inspired the movie ‘Coco’, for an Alebrijes workshop. The day’s beauty mirrored the intricate artistry we were about to explore. We immersed ourselves in craftsmanship, learning the detailed process of carving and painting these colourful creatures. Together, we sat to paint our own alebrijes while sipping on Mezcal, which was served by our gracious hosts at Pedacitos de mi Tierra. They added a personal touch by sharing each of our spirit animal charts based on our birth year and day. A tlayuda snack followed, and we couldn’t resist shopping for some local treasures before heading back.

Our return to CEFAO was hurried, but we made a quick stop for a stunning lunch along the way. Despite having to cancel our folklórico class due to time constraints, we had the pleasure of participating in an incredible contemporary dance class led by Kate Walker from Booker T. Washington HSPVA in Dallas, TX. The class ended with a heartwarming circle of sweaty hugs, and then we rushed off to El Zócalo for a public performance.

Just as the rain cleared, we presented our first full program, and the town welcomed us warmly. Children danced and sang, and we could see how deeply the shared art moved everyone. After three packed days of dance and cultural immersion, we finally enjoyed a well-deserved evening off.

Today was our adventure day, and it was unforgettable! We hopped into the vans and headed to El Árbol del Tule, a stunning and enormous tree famous for its breathtaking size and intricate natural formations. During our private tour, we marveled at the various shapes and figures that could be seen within its bark, but what stayed with me most was the serene sound of the birds surrounding us. This magnificent tree is said to have inspired the movie ‘Avatar’. Afterward, we split up: the students explored the vibrant murals and wandered through the charming streets of Oaxaca, while the adults embarked on a guided tour and Mezcal tasting at El Real Matatl. It was another day filled with wonderful experiences for everyone!

Our day started with a visit to La Casa de Niños for an intimate morning gathering. Though rain forced us into a smaller indoor space, we embraced the change with our usual positive spirit. We met a group of about nine boys, ages 8 to 14, and played a lively round of “Pato, Pato, Ganso” (Duck, Duck, Goose). Biviana, Will, and Lottie led a fun warm-up session, and one of the young boys even had the chance to take the lead. We wrapped up with a small performance, which the boys seemed to really enjoy.

Afterward, we loaded into the vans and ventured a bit outside the city center to El Itacete, where we were treated to a beautiful presentation of how mole negro is made. The love and care they poured into their food was evident, making it a truly special experience.

Back at the hotel, we had a moment of rest before the day’s classes began. Carolina taught us the Flor de Piña dance, which we had seen earlier in the week and would perform the next evening. Ali then led a contemporary class filled with improvisation tasks and games, encouraging the dancers to create their own trios using phrase work from Michaela and Kate. We ended the session by collaborating on a final piece, weaving the trios together, which would also be showcased in our final performance.

While the parents headed out for a Michelin star dinner, the rest of us enjoyed a meal at a stunning rooftop restaurant, where we took in breathtaking views of the church and the heart of Oaxaca.

It’s the day of the final performance, and the energy is high as we spend the morning rehearsing in the theater at Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca. We’re sharing the stage with talented students from CEFAO, along with younger dancers from another local school. After hours of rehearsal, we took a break to eat, rest, and recharge, all in preparation for the big night ahead. The evening performance was nothing short of incredible, and we capped it off with a vibrant live band playing on stage, making the night even more unforgettable.

Our day began with a drive to the Congreso del Estado, where we were scheduled to perform in celebration of Pride and the folkloric artist Olo Oya. Unfortunately, a small protest outside the building prevented anyone from entering or leaving. After waiting for some time, we ultimately had to cancel the performance and return to the hotel. In the afternoon, we shifted gears and took a serene tour of the Jardín Etnobotánico, where we enjoyed a peaceful walk and learned about the garden’s history and the rich natural elements native to the Oaxaca region. We ended the day on a high note with an energetic salsa and cumbia class, bringing lots of fun to our evening.

Today, we had the opportunity to visit two different art schools, each offering unique experiences. Our first stop was CEDART, an arts-focused high school where students declare a major in the arts, splitting their day between academics and specialized arts classes. We shared a brief ballet class with the graduating class of dance majors, then performed a few pieces from our repertoire. Our visit concluded with a meaningful circle where we exchanged questions, getting to know the students on a more personal level. Their excitement and inspiration were palpable, and the feeling was mutual. Later in the day, we visited the Developpé School of Ballet in Etla, where we took turns leading a warm-up with some of their youngest students before performing again. It was a fulfilling and heartwarming conclusion to our series of exchanges.

On our final day together, we set off early in the morning for Monte Alban, the ancient ruins that promised a blend of history and reflection. Carolina guided us through the expansive grounds, sharing captivating tales from the past, while Jesus joined us to enrich our experience with even more fascinating details. As we climbed to the highest point of the ruins, we took a moment to pause, engaging in journal prompts that allowed us to debrief and discuss our journey. Each participant opened up, revealing profound thoughts and displaying remarkable vulnerability as we reflected on our personal growth throughout the trip. This moment felt like the perfect culmination of adventure, sharing, and exchange. Later, as the sun began to set, we gathered at CEFAO for our heartfelt goodbyes, wrapping up our time together with a lively game of Loteria, a fitting way to celebrate the bonds we had forged.