Behind The Curtain - Pueblos Mágicos de Mexico

I was introduced to the Mexican Ballet of Montreal a few years ago when I covered their annual show for Concordia University's tv station, knowing virtually nothing about them. Boy was I in for a treat. The show was absolutely stunning. Colorful, vibrant, just a breath of fresh air. Now admittedly, I was born in Chiapas. I speak Spanish. My favorite dessert is Tres Leches cake. My parents are Salvadorian and I grew up in El Salvador, but Mexico occupies a very special place in my heart. 

So after years of following the Mexican Ballet and telling myself that I would reach out for a possible creative collaboration, I found out that the Agora de la Cultura Mexicana en Montreal was organizing an event called "Pueblos Mágicos de Mexico", featuring the Mexican Ballet, Le Mariachi Figueroa and the Colombian dance group Tondoa. I immediately contacted Gindo Galeano, the event organizer and head of the Agora, about filming a behind the scenes video of their upcoming show.

I have a fascination for what happens behind the curtain. The rehearsals, the costumes, the nerves, the sweat and tears of the individuals that pour their heart and soul into an artistic production. So, like a fly on the wall, I tried to capture the frenzied energy before and during yesterday's show. As a Latin-American artist, the folkloric dance and music showcased in Pueblos Mágicos tugs at my heart strings. There is a nostalgia that is ever present in my life, tucked away but never forgotten. There was a sheer joy backstage as the dancers behind the curtain cheered for the performers on stage, a palpable sense of community that I hadn't felt in a long time. It was...no pun intended...magical :)

Music track for the behind de scenes video: Conga del Fuego - Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar