Samuel Cortez, a graduate of the Executive Program in Arts & Culture Strategy, is the artistic director and choreographer of the Los Lupeños de San José and Los Lupeños Juvenil dance companies. A LGBTQ+ Mexican Immigrant to the United States, Cortez began his traditional dance background in his home state of Guanajuato, México before pursuing dance in the US.
Cortez is a member of the International Dance Council, the Asociación Nacional de Maestros de Danza Popular Mexicana, the Instituto de Investigación y Difusión de la Danza Mexicana and Dance/USA. He is also a NALAC Leadership Institute 2021 and MALI (Multicultural Arts Leadership Institute) graduate and gives back by mentoring directors of other dance companies across the United States.
NAS recently caught up with Samuel to see what this dancer, director, researcher, award-winning choreographer, workshop instructor, and costume designer has been up to, his recent struggles, and how you can connect with him.
What are you most proud of in your work life right now?
I am very proud that even under the circumstances that we are living on, Los Lupeños de San Jose keeps on thriving, we were able to have our presence in USA and some other countries virtually in the past two years, trying to make the best of our current situation. After almost 53 years of existence, our company stays relevant thank to the support of our directors, dancers and community supporters.
I am very proud of the importance that arts in general took during the world struggle, now more than ever we know that even when things go wrong the arts are always there to entertain and create safe spaces where people can enjoy and connect.
Many of our youth dancers grew up so much in the last months and we have a new energy inside of the dance room. We feel renewed and energized.
In the personal side, I took the time to start pursuing my Masters in Fine Arts degree.
What are you most struggling with?
Even though we have been able to keep on performing virtually, what we do is better perceived and enjoyed in person. We are currently rehearsing in person, always following the latest indication from our county but we really miss performing the way we use to; having audiences right in front of us and feeding from the emotions that our culture generates in live performances, but we know how important is the well-being of everyone first and foremost.
Is there anything this community can do to support you?
I always find my fellow artist as a group of very supportive human beings, they have been there always to guide each other on diverse opportunities, work together on some projects and, in many occasions, providing an ear to vent the struggles that come with the leadership in our field. Listening to their own successful stories becomes an inspiration for the rest of us.
Is there anything you want to offer to this community?
I am always open for collaborations, any type of help that I can give to any fellow artist within my area of expertise. I am planning a whole new show in December, it will be really cool to see anybody that will be in the bay area on the 4th and 5th. Maybe we will have it available on demand online. Stay tuned and I will be happy to share with all of you my work.
Everyone please stay safe and let keep on working. The arts have been a beautiful ray of light on these cloudy months!
About Los Lupeños de San José
Founded in 1969, Los Lupeños de San José is recognized as one of the earliest Mexican folk-dance companies in California. Los Lupeños is known for its artistry, history, traditions, innovation, and originality.
Los Lupeños was the first incorporated Mexican folk-dance group (1973) and has run as or under a non-profit organization ever since. As a program of the Cashion Cultural Legacy since 2014, Los Lupeños is one of three dance programs, the others being Los Lupeños Juvenil and Los Lupeños Academy.
Los Lupeños performing company dancers are passionate about learning and executing their art form, representing Mexican culture, and being a positive force within the California dance community. They are accustomed to exploring new methods of transmitting their love of Mexican dance to the community.
You can follow them at:
http://www.twitter.com/loslupenos
https://www.facebook.com/LosLupenosDeSanJose