Editors’ Note: Sources in this piece are left anonymous or mentioned with a pseudonym for safety and privacy reasons. City on a Hill Press is committed to protecting the identities of these individuals.

The warm light of center stage illuminated a hopeful newly-wed woman, writing about the preparation to embark on a journey with her husband to the United States. Although leaving their home country of Mexico does not come without sacrifice, their act of selflessness is to improve the lives of generations to follow.

People throughout many regions of Mexico experience the same struggles of moving away from home, for the promise of the American dream.

This was the message of Los Mejicas’s 54th Anniversary Spring Show: Aqui Estamos y No Nos Vamos, Con Amor a Mi Mexico, performed May 29-30. Los Mejicas is a student folklorico dance troupe at UC Santa Cruz. 

The show represented how resistance in the face of oppression can show up in many ways, particularly through dance. Art has historically been a demonstration of protest, offering commentary on social issues.

“A lot of our families are affected by ICE. A lot of our friends are undocumented. A lot of our Latino population here is undocumented,” said Nadia, a performer for the Chiapas regional dance section. “I think that’s why representing our culture on a literal platform — a stage — is so important.”

Nadia’s message speaks to the necessity of unity in a time when the Trump administration threatens the livelihood of Latino and immigrant communities. Each regional dance section expressed this compassion through intricate choreography and compelling story telling, inspired by the numerous regions of Mexico.

The show was held at UCSC’s Theater Arts Center Mainstage and showcased 50 folklorico dancers portraying seven regions of Mexico: Coahuila, Campeche, Nayarit, Chiapas, Veracruz, Huasteca and Colima. The performance was accompanied by live music performed by 15 mariachi members from Mariachi Eterno, the student-run mariachi at UCSC. The dances explored a storyline about the immigration of a Mexican couple into the United States and the struggles that come with calling a foreign country their new home.

Kaitlyn Larrondo (left) and Daniella Maldonado (right), co-directors of Los Mejicas, welcome the audience to their opening night performance.

Mariachi Enterno De UCSC accompanying Los Mejicas.

The performers put about 20 hours a week into dance rehearsals, dress fittings and scriptwriting to bring this narrative to life. Preparations began at the end of winter 2025 and 11 weeks total were allocated to rehearsals. Nadia personally had four rehearsals a week for the singular region she danced in, but the number of weekly practices for dancers who participated in more than one region varied from six to ten.

Emily Barete is the wardrobe director for the show and dancer for the Coahuila and Nayarit regional dance sections. Barete was in charge of headpieces and vestuarios, or costumes, making sure everyone was able to move around comfortably. Despite feeling stressed leading up to the performances, Barete explained that seeing her work put on stage was one of her favorite aspects. 

Coahuila, choreographed by Kaitlyn Larrondo, is located in Northern Mexico and known for its ranching heritage and northern spirit. Nayarit Mestizo, choreographed by Monserrat Ramirez, is inspired by Mexico’s Pacific Coast, a region rich with indigenous heritage. Both pieces were accompanied live by Mariachi Eterno De UCSC.

Barete recalled her favorite moments of performance day, including “getting to see all the vestuario that I gave dancers, getting to put it on myself, and just look at myself in the mirror and being like, ‘Oh my God, this is really happening.’” 

Depicting a narrative through dance allows for creative expression and lived experiences to portray history in a way that provides audiences with an outlet to understand a tumultuous present. From increased ICE presence in migrant communities, to attacks on DEI initiatives from the Trump administration, artistic resistance is more vital than ever to preserve every bit of culture that makes each of us unique.

Campeche, choreographed by Victoria Salcedo, reflects the warmth and elegance of the Gulf Coast of Southeastern Mexico.

Audience members like UCSC student R echoed the sentiment toward resistance through dance.

“Representing our cultures altogether really unites us and brings the community together, especially given the point in time we are in right now,” he said. “It’s an important time in our life to be sticking together and building that strong community and I think this show represents that so well.” 

Chiapas, choreographed by Leslie Hernandez-Nava, is inspired by the region’s deeply rooted traditions, ancestry, and legacy.

Another attendee, UCSC student A added the importance of cultural events at UCSC. 

“I think it’s important to show that there are prominent cultures within campus,” he said. “It’s super cool to come to an event like this and see how put together it all is because at the end of the day, we’re all students.” 

Senior Suite: Colima, choreographed by Daniella Maldonado, features the graduating seniors. According to Los Mejicas, Colima reminds us that culture flourishes through the communities that honor their roots and continue to carry tradition forward with pride. Veracruz Huasteca, choreographed by Sophia Arroyo, reflects the region’s musical traditions, vibrant rhythms, and quick movements.

Whether it is protesting or dancing on stage, the show demonstrated that showing up and showing out for our communities is important to show that unity can not be silenced by hatred.

“Love is the best form of resistance,” Emily Barete said. “If we continue to love, if we continue to dance, if we continue to be happy and show that we aren’t fazed and no matter what happens, we’re not going anywhere – that’s resistance and a form of protest on its own.” 

The Los Mejicas performers dance their way back on stage, taking their last bows as the audience claps along to the music. After closing statements, Los Mejicas huddle up as they celebrate the end of their first night of performing.