Explore Mexican Dance Traditions with Sugar Skull!
As part of Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure, the Wheeler Opera House is offering two unique dance experiences that explore the vibrant regional traditions of Mexican dance. Taking place October 10 at Dance Progressions in Aspen, these workshops provide opportunities for participants of all ages and experience levels to engage with the movement, music, and cultural traditions featured in the production.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly introduction to Mexican dance or an advanced technical training experience, these workshops create pathways for deeper engagement with the artistry behind Sugar Skull!.
Explore Mexican Dance Traditions with Sugar Skull!
For families, beginners, and curious movers of all ages, Explore Mexican Dance Traditions with Sugar Skull! offers an interactive introduction to the regional dance styles celebrated in the production.
Led by Sugar Skull! cast member Felicia B. Ávalos, participants will learn movement and choreography inspired by Mexican dance traditions while exploring the music, culture, and stories that bring these forms to life. Ávalos is a Tejana storyteller, performer, and educator whose work combines cultural heritage, artistic expression, and community engagement. She holds an MFA in Dance and an MA in Arts Politics and has toured with Sugar Skull! since 2022.
The workshop lasts 75 minutes and concludes with a special 15-minute performance by dancers participating in the Regional Mexican Folklórico Master Class, offering attendees a glimpse into more advanced regional Mexican dance traditions.
Learn more and register here!
Regional Mexican Folklórico Master Class
Designed for experienced Folklórico dancers, the Regional Mexican Folklórico Master Class provides an in-depth exploration of the traditions represented in Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure.
This 90-minute workshop focuses on strengthening technique, refining performance skills, and building cultural understanding through choreography inspired by the production. The class is led by acclaimed artists Brenda Flores and Christopher Cortez, both recognized for their extensive work in Mexican folklórico and contemporary dance.
Flores began her professional career as a Mexican folklórico dancer before touring nationally and internationally with the renowned Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández, including a residency at Mexico City’s Palace of Fine Arts. She also contributed to the creative development of Disney’s Plaza de Coco aboard the Disney Treasure.
Cortez trained at The Alvin Ailey School in New York City and has performed with companies including Calpulli Mexican Dance Company and Ballet Nepantla, creating work that bridges traditional Mexican dance and contemporary performance.
During the final 15 minutes of the class, participants will share selected choreography with attendees from the Family & All Levels Workshop, creating a meaningful connection between both learning experiences.
Learn more and register here!
A Shared Celebration of Culture and Community
Together, these workshops offer a rare opportunity to experience the traditions that inspire Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure at multiple levels, from first-time exploration to advanced technical study. Participants in both programs will connect through a shared celebration of Mexican culture, dance, and storytelling while gaining deeper insight into the artistic traditions represented on stage.
Both workshops will be held at Dance Progressions (403 Aspen Airport Business Center, Aspen, CO 81611).