Orígenes Workshop

Join Ballet Nepantla’s creative journey of their newest work.

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Orígenes is Ballet Nepantla’s newest work in development, supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts.

The project explores the ancestral stories, philosophies, and artistic traditions of pre-Hispanic Mexico through community engagement, movement research, and collaboration. This workshop serves as both an educational experience and an opportunity for dialogue, allowing communities to engage with the themes that will shape the final production before it premieres.

Over the course of this five-day immersive dance intensive, dancers will train under Ballet Nepantla Artistic Director Andrea Guajardo alongside Ballet Nepantla’s professional artists while exploring the creative process behind Orígenes. Through technical training and collaborative movement exploration, workshop participants will experience how history, identity, and storytelling are transformed into performance.

Participants can expect to:

  • Learn from Ballet Nepantla’s professional teaching artists in a supportive, collaborative environment

  • Train in ballet, contemporary, Mexican folklórico, and Afro-Cuban movement

  • Explore the artistic and cultural research that inspires Orígenes

  • Learn excerpts from Ballet Nepantla’s repertory and gain insight into the company’s rehearsal process

  • Build confidence, artistry, and technical skills while connecting with fellow dancers

  • Share their work during an informal community showing at the conclusion of the workshop

Ages
Best for dancers aged 13-22 years old with some dance vocabulary

Dates
August 17, 2026 - August 21, 2026

Time
1:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Location
Dancentre of Edinburg

What to Expect

Sample Schedule

  • Dancers can arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the workshop to check in, warm up, and get settled for the day ahead.

  • Begin the day with a technique class led by Artistic Director Andrea Guajardo or a Ballet Nepantla company artist. Classes may focus on ballet, contemporary, Mexican folklórico, or Ballet Nepantla’s signature fusion of these movement traditions.

  • Learn excerpts from Ballet Nepantla’s repertoire, featuring original choreography by either Andrea Guajardo, Martín Rodriguez Vigíl, Argelia Arreola, Anthony Bocconi, and/or Maria Gracia Perez. Participants will gain insight into the artistic process and storytelling techniques that define the company’s work.

  • Collaborate with the artists through guided improvisation and movement creation inspired by the themes of Orígenes. Dancers will explore ideas of ancestry, identity, memory, and the creative process behind developing new work.

  • Conclude the day with a group discussion reflecting on the workshop experience, sharing discoveries, and learning more about the continued development of Orígenes.

Please note: This schedule is provided as a sample and may be adjusted to meet the daily needs of the company or individual participants.

Where to Find Us

Our workshop will take place at Dancentre of Edinburg, located just behind the H-E-B on W. Freddy Gonzalez Drive. Free parking is available on-site.

Dancentre of Edinburg
2750 Hedfelt Dr
Edinburg, TX 78539

 

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and save your spot!

Frequently Asked Questions

Register

  • This workshop is open to dancers ages 13-22 interested in movement and creative process. Prior dance knowledge or experience is helpful. Participants of varying experiences are welcome.

    If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact Lindsay Jorgensen, Director of Operations + Development.

  • Registration is available through our Zeffy registration form. Space is limited, so we encourage registering in advance.

  • Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Ballet shoes, folklórico skirts, folklórico shoes, or socks are helpful but not required.

    Shoes and skirts are available for purchase at Dancentre of Edinburg.

    Bring a water bottle and be prepared to participate in movement activities.

  • The 5-day workshop is $100. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us before registering online.

  • For questions about the workshop or registration, please contact Lindsay Jorgensen, Director of Operations + Development.