PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Natalia Mesa, Community Engagement Director of Ballet Hispanico
1:48:45
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124 sec
Natalia Mesa, representing Ballet Hispanico, advocated for continued support of cultural organizations, especially those led by indigenous, black, and people of color. She highlighted Ballet Hispanico's approach to incorporating indigenous dance and cultural narratives in their curriculum and performances.
- Ballet Hispanico's educational philosophy addresses the intersectionality of Latine identities through dance training and cultural themes.
- The organization exposes students to various indigenous dance forms and explores identity questions through performances.
- Mesa emphasized the importance of recognizing the diversity within Latine populations, including their vibrant indigenous roots.
Natalia Mesa
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Good morning, council member Rivera.
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Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak to you today.
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My name is Natalia Mesa, community engagement director at Vale Hispanico.
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As the city considers funding for the arts and culture, I am here to advocate for the continuation of vital support for cultural organizations, particularly indigenous black and people of color led organizations like Ballet Hispanico.
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Our locational philosophy incorporates culturally relevant and sustaining approach that addresses the intersectionality of Latine identities embedded in cultural themes, histories, and legacies through traditional and current Latinx dance training.
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Indigenous dance contributions from the Americas and its cultural narratives are explored through our curriculum.
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Students could be exposed to a Bolivian guanjano or a Mexican harocho with teaching artists that are cultural bearers of the dance forms.
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During an assembly, students can see excerpts from Combrasos Aviertos by Mexican American choreographer, Michelle Manzanales.
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The piece deals with identity questions.
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Am I American enough?
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Am I Mexican enough?
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Students observe the excerpt while costumes inspired by traditional dances from Veracruz flow on stage and create an odd to express and embrace all aspects of each person's identity with open arms or Latinos are not a monolith.
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We are combination of many ethnic groups.
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Indigenous roots are vibrant and present in Latine population, and while Hispanic programs seek to give prominence to these traditions that are so often unoverlooked.
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We thank the city of New York and you for this opportunity to advocate for expand support for organizations and cultural institutions like ours, uniquely positioned to provide critical resources that support arts, culture, and history of indigenous peoples in New York City.
1:50:49
Thank you.