Manhattan Dance Group Showcases Mexican Folkloric Traditions at Queens Festival

Queensboro Dance Festival

• 🎭 The Queensboro Dance Festival showcases the diverse culture of Queens with 21 performing groups.
• 🌍 The festival features free shows ranging from Indian classical to Chinese contemporary dance, held in various plazas and parks throughout the summer.
• 💡 Festival founder Karisha Batan emphasizes reflecting the cultures of each neighborhood as a point of connection and cultural exchange.

Manhaititlan: Regional Mexican Folkloric Dance

• 🇲🇽 The group Manhaititlan performs regional folkloric dances from Mexico.
• 🧵 Felix Perez creates the unique costumes, starting with simple patterns that become beautiful when assembled, bringing him joy when he sees the dancers perform.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Perez family, along with friends from church and school, form the group, with sisters Jasmine and Carla highlighting how dance brings generations together.
• 🤝 Manhaititlan is described as a project and a community where everyone is welcome.

Cultural Heritage and Identity

• 💬 Members of Manhaititlan express feeling more alive and proud, especially proud to dance with their daughters.
• 🌎 The dances tell stories of immigration and heritage, embodying the rhythm of New York City in Queens.
• 🌟 The festival helps members like those in Manhaititlan to grow and feel proud of their cultural background.