ECHOES OF OUR ANCESTORS
Exploring Heritage Through Choreography
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in Echoes of Our Ancestors by Maria Torres. Photo by Michelle Reid.
April 11, 2024 | Back to blog
by Maria Torres, choreographer of Season 46 World Premiere piece Echoes of Our Ancestors
As the curtains rise and the dancers take the stage, the audience is drawn into a mesmerizing journey through time and culture in Echoes of Our Ancestors, this captivating piece presented by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. In this blog post, I delve into the creative process behind this evocative work, exploring the visions, inspirations, and messages woven into its fabric.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in Echoes of Our Ancestors by Maria Torres. Photo by Kristie Kahns.
When I, an Afro-Latin of Puerto Rican Dominican Cuban ethnicity, born in Brooklyn, embarked on this journey, the memories of Puerto Rico's El Yunque and the beaches of the Dominican Republic flooded my memory. The vibrant colors, the rhythmic waves, and the whispers of ancestral voices filled my mind's eye. In the swaying of the palm trees and the rhythm of the ocean, I found the essence of my heritage: a tapestry woven with the threads of resilience, culture, and connection to the land.
The characters featured throughout Echoes... serve as vessels through which the essence of my Afro-Latin heritage is channeled onto the stage. While not always literal representations, they embody the spirit, traditions, and struggles of those who came before me. Through their movements, they carry forward the legacy of my ancestors, honoring their resilience, wisdom, and cultural heritage.
Hubbard Street Dancer Abdiel Figueroa Reyes in Echoes of Our Ancestors by Maria Torres. Photo by Kristie Kahns.
The creation process for Echoes of Our Ancestors differed significantly from my previous works. Rather than drawing solely from personal experiences or abstract concepts, I delved deep into the annals of Afro-Latin history, folklore, and family narratives. Collaborating closely with the dancers, composer, and designers, we embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery, allowing the essence of our collective heritages to infuse every aspect of the choreography.
For young dance artists aspiring to become choreographers, I offer the following advice: Embrace your unique voice and perspective. Draw inspiration from your own experiences, passions, and cultural background. Collaborate with fellow artists, musicians, and designers to bring your vision to life. And above all, trust in the power of storytelling through movement to connect with audiences on a profound level.
Hubbard Street Dancer Michele Dooley in Echoes of Our Ancestors by Maria Torres. Photo by Michelle Reid.
Echoes of Our Ancestors is more than just a choreography piece—it is my testament to the enduring power of dance to transcend time, culture, and generations. Through its mesmerizing movements and evocative storytelling, it invites audiences to reflect on their own heritage, to honor the past, and to embrace the future with open hearts and minds.
Special Thanks and Acknowledgments
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hubbard Street Dance Chicago for providing me with the platform and support to realize my creative vision. Special thanks to the dancers, whose dedication and artistry brought Echoes of Our Ancestors to life with grace and authenticity. A special thank you to the power team Jonathan Alsberry, Craig Black, Philip Hamilton, Luis Razo, Aja Jackson, Harrison Burke, Jenah Hensel, Abby Olson, and the fantastic leader Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell. I am also grateful to my husband John O’Connor, family, mentors, and ancestors, whose stories and legacies continue to inspire me every day.
GO INSIDE THE STUDIO
Learn more about the creation process behind Echoes of Our Ancestors
from choreographer Maria Torres and the Company Artists.