Ahualulco

Ahualulco is a new multidisciplinary dance and music work in development by choreographer Vanessa Sanchez, exploring the cultural, historical, and rhythmic connections between Veracruz [Mexico], and Cuba. The work layers traditional Mexican Son Jarocho rhythms and Afro-Cuban folkloric movement with original tap dance choreography, tracing the intertwined histories of African and Indigenous resistance across the Caribbean. Exploring historical trajectories beginning with Hernán Cortés’ 1519 arrival in Veracruz from Cuba, through the 1570 uprising of Gaspar Yanga, and into Cuba’s War of Independence in 1895, these moments in history illuminate shared histories of resistance led by Black and Indigenous communities whose cultural expressions continue to resonate today through rhythm and movement. Inspired by these revolts led by Black and Indigenous communities in both Cuba and Veracruz, Sanchez, a descendent of Veracruz, conducts archival research, fieldwork and mentored studies with master artists and historians, and training with master Tap dance, Afro-Cuban and Son Jarocho maestros to weave together polyrhythmic conversations across histories and geographies.