La Mezcla, the polyrhythmic dance and music trope, recently finished the University of Nevada, Reno’s Performing Arts Series 2022 portion of the season.
According to a press release shared by the university, San Francisco-based La Mezcla showcased Pachuqusmo on Dec. 8 at the Nightingale Concert Hall.
The dance performance will utilize tap dancing, live jazz music, Mexican zapateado, and traditional Son Jarocho to give insight into the female experience during the 1940s Zoot Suit Riot period.
“The Performing Arts Series is committed to furthering dialogue in pursuit of a more connected, supportive and just community,” Shoshana Zeldner, program manager with the School of the Arts, said in the release. “Pachuquísmo asks each of us to dig into the histories that we have been taught as well as the histories that we haven’t been taught in order to broaden our understanding of our community, our neighbors and our country.”
The Pachuca Era was a pivotal time in Chicanx history known for the 1943 Zoot Suit Riots. Director, creator and choreographer Vanessa Sanchez leads the all-female cast.
During this era, the Mexican-American counterculture, known for their zoot suit apparel, was trying to establish equality and rights for the community.
Sanchez and the rest of the cast were available to answer questions from the audience following the performance.
