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Building a legacy is planting the seeds of a tree whose fruit you will probably never get to taste; it’s inspiring those around you to join in on a bigger vision and knowing that your work and your goal will live on, even when you’re not around. Dancing for Folk Art, with Isaac and Esteban Hernández and Dores André, is a perfect example. An encounter of art, will, and love for Mexican folk art and a celebration of the legacy of the magnificent woman, friend, mother, and philanthropist Mrs. Marie Thérése Hermand de Arango.
The central patio of the Museum of Popular Art became, for a morning, the stellar stage to receive the best in the world of dance, which for an hour opened a window to share minute-by-minute with the attendees of a rehearsal session for a high-performance dancer; a one-of-a-kind experience by the Friends of the Museum of Popular Art and its ambassador Isaac Hernández, for the benefit of the museum and its support programs for artisans.
In addition to the star experience, the dancers had classes with low-income girls and boys who, together with Dores, Esteban, and Isaac, enjoyed an inspiring and stimulating experience.
The show began with the dancers stretching to warm up their muscles and prepare for what, in theory, would be a daily rehearsal, except this time, they could feel the expectant and excited gaze of the attendees. Guided by the sweet piano of Elena Nikolenko, the artists demonstrated dance routine exercises to work diverse body parts at different times to later dazzle the audience with their ability to improvise and instantly memorize choreographies.
Jumps, twists, and perfect pirouettes were the best appetizer before an impeccable performance and extraordinary complicity by Isaac Hernández and Dores André in the iconic scene on the balcony from the classic Romeo and Juliet.
The most emotional moment of the morning was minutes before the star closing when Isaac Hernández addressed a few words to remember his friend and celebrate the legacy of María Teresa, with applause and recognition for that legacy among those present. Although there is also joy when looking around and seeing that this legacy remains and is in the best hands to continue taking care of it.
To close the function with a flourish, the Hernández brothers provoked a standing ovation for minutes by presenting their long-awaited farewell in Despertares, a choreography of Frank Sinatra’s classic, My Way.
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Statement, Alan González.
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