Dia de los Muertos is a wonderful Mexican celebration that happens every November 1 and 2, the days after our traditional Halloween that honors the family members who have passed on to the other side. “Gone but not forgotten” is the mantra of this celebration that is filled with colorful flowers, family photos and memorable stories of the ancestors that paved the way for our life’s journey to occur. An alter, ofrenda, is created with photos of the family members surrounded with Marigolds, Sugared skulls and Candles. These elements have been placed on the ofrenda as a means for the spirit of the deceased to find their way back to their home from the cemetery where they rest. It is a joyful celebration of the life they have lived and the familial legacy that they have left behind.
Dance Theater of Florida has created an original new ballet that celebrates this treasured Mexican tradition for their younger audience members to enjoy. Their story follows the journey of two parted, loving sisters as they both try to bridge the threshold between the two realms of life and the after-life. The ballet begins with Rosita creating an ofrenda for her sister, Juanita and her many other past relatives. She wants desperately to honor her sister and to show her that her love for her is eternal. She placed marigolds and candles on the ofrenda for their vibrant color and their permeable scents in hopes that her sister will be drawn to follow the path to her. Meanwhile, Juanita is struggling to get back to her home where she can feel the love of her sister. Along the way she encounters humorous dancing skeletons, magical gigantic marigolds, musical harmonies that carry her through, along with intoxicating scents of delicious food prepared for her by her sister to lead her to her ofrenda where Rosita is waiting for her. Rosita and Juanita are ultimately reunited by the spiritual guides that assist everyone’s life journey proving that love is stronger than the threshold that divides life and death.
Dance Theater of Florida production of Dia de los Muertos is presented on October 26 at their home at Florida School for Dance Education at 1pm and 4pm. General Admission tickets are $20.00 and are on sale by calling (561) 627-9797 or at the door.
Also, as an added treat for the young ones, a Festive Halloween party with trick or treating and sweets galore are happening to round out the event. So come in costume one and all. Come out and see this wonderful production presented by the wildly popular non-profit dance company, Dance Theater of Florida.
- What: Dia de los Muertos Ballet and Halloween Party
- Date: October 26, 2019
- Time: 1pm and 4pm
- Where: Florida School for Dance Education - 4100 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
- How: Get your tickets for $20 by calling (561) 627-9797 or at the door
