Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — In a groundbreaking move aimed at fostering community growth and professional training for local artists in the realm of dance and urban dance, the Municipal Institute for Youth Care (IMAJ) and the Association of Dancers of Puerto Vallarta jointly announced the staging of Dance Up 2023. This pivotal event will unfold over the weekend of October 28 and 29, providing a platform for budding and seasoned artists alike.
IMAJ coordinator Bryan Rodríguez Bernal, flanked by Andric Cuitláhuac García Infante and Jafet Samuel Miranda Castillo, as well as ballet instructor Ana Vásquez from MIA Dance Studio, unveiled the details of this landmark initiative. This marks the first time that the youth-focused institute has lent its support to such a cultural endeavor.
Sparking a Cultural Revolution
Andric García emphasized that the collaboration between the IMAJ and the Association of Dancers is part of a broader effort to spark a “cultural revolution.” While it is an ambitious project that has been in the works for eight years, its ultimate goal is to establish a vibrant artistic community in Puerto Vallarta.
A Three-Part Event
The event is organized into three distinct segments. The ‘workshop’ component features five intensive sessions led by nationally and internationally renowned instructors. These educators, boasting lengthy and accomplished careers, will converge on MIA Dance Studio on Aldanaca Street in the Versalles neighborhood. Their mission: to promote the art of dance and cultivate a sense of community.
Showcasing Local Talent and Introducing Dance Battles
The ‘Showcase’ segment is set to spotlight an array of local artists, allowing them to demonstrate their dance capabilities. For the first time, the event will also incorporate dance battles, referred to as ‘Battles’, featuring different urban styles. These competitions will be judged by some of the very instructors leading the workshops.
Scheduled for Sunday, October 29 at the Plaza Caracol facilities, these battles will be conducted in two formats: 1 vs 1 Club Style and 2 vs 2 Open Style. The winners stand to receive prizes ranging from 7,000 to 8,000 pesos.
Financial Details and Public Participation
According to the organizers, the workshops carry a recovery cost of 800 pesos, which covers participation in all five workshops and registration for the battles. For those solely interested in the workshops, the cost stands at 600 pesos. Participation in only the battles is priced at 300 pesos, and individual classes are available at 250 pesos each. The battles, however, will be open to the public free of charge.
Elevating Dance to New Heights
Project director Jafet Samuel Miranda Castillo stated that the incorporation of dance battles aims to elevate the art form and allow participants to showcase their talents. Ana Vásquez of MIA Dance Studio echoed this sentiment, highlighting that Dance Up 2023 offers a unique opportunity for young aspirants to embark on a path to professional dance training without compromising their basic educational commitments.
The Global Impact of Local Talent
Ana Vásquez added that Puerto Vallarta has been making strides in the international dance scene, producing talents that have not only won championships but have also contributed to the creation of impressive dance movements globally.
In summary, Dance Up 2023 is not merely an event; it is a significant step toward nurturing a thriving artistic community in Puerto Vallarta, providing an invaluable platform for professional development in dance and urban arts.
