Odalys Villagran and Tirzah L. Claus put on a magnificent dance performance to honor their late artistic director Sonia Chapa Gomez. On a cold, crisp night, my husband, some friends, and I drove to UTRGV in Edinburg, Texas, for a presentation by the university’s Ballet Español Company.

Odalys Villagran and Tirzah L. Claus, both seasoned dancers and instructors, and the rest of the dance company, captivated the audience with a colorful, emotional performance honoring their late artistic director, Sonia Chapa Gomez.

The music chosen in the repertoire is what I enjoyed the most. Dancers, wearing beautiful silk Manila shawls (Manton de Manila), expressed the sorrow and pride that brought them to this moment without the guidance of their beloved artistic director.

“She would always encourage us that, with enough faith and hard work, no dream was too big or beyond reach. Her laughter, lessons, and kindness will remain with us and echo in our hearts long after our final bows,” expressed Villagran and Clause in the event’s program.

Outside in the lobby of the modern UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, a table was set up with Sonia Chapa Gomez memorabilia. Photographs, costumes, and even her UTRGV diploma were on display.

I appreciated the contemporary music included to interpret the solemn dance dedicated to Chapa Gomez. The Trilogía dance performance began with music by Placa Alemana (Fandangos/Sevillanas), PACQUIAO (Bulerias) by Omar Montes and Israel Fernández, and A Tu Compás by Jalezz and Raul Camacho.

All this contemporary music inspired by the laments of the original Flamenco music was new to me. Watching these young dancers, clearly still grieving their director, dance to the soulful music of Spain, truly moved me and transported me to the old world, turned new, where we still share our grief and joys with the rhythm of music.

I encourage you to search the songs listed above and keep track of UTRGV’s dance performances. Ticket prices are $10 for seniors and $15 for adults.  Performances that are well-choreographed and in such a great building are well worth the cost. And more.

It was past 9:00 pm when we walked out of the theater. The echo of the castanets and the zapateado accompanied me back to the car. The bright, full snow moon smiled.  

For all of UTRGV’s performances, click here.