For dancers aspiring to professional careers, the path is notoriously challenging, demanding exceptional dedication, talent, and a considerable amount of luck. Maria Torres, a New York-based dancer, choreographer, and educator, stands as a testament to this arduous journey. Her remarkable career spans film, television, and Broadway, marked by her signature Latin Jazz style. This unique style is a vibrant tapestry woven from her Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Dominican-American heritage, infused with influences ranging from African American contemporary to ballroom dance. Beyond her performance accolades, Torres is a dedicated mentor, committed to creating opportunities for young dancers from diverse backgrounds through her nonprofit, nurturing the next generation of artists.
Chicago audiences were recently given a taste of Torres’ artistry in “Echoes of Our Ancestors,” a piece she choreographed for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s winter series, “Of Hope.” Presented from February 23rd to March 3rd at the MCA, Torres’ work shared the stage with Rennie Harris’ house-music tribute “Dear Frankie” and a new creation by company alum FLOCK. This marked Torres’ debut collaboration with Hubbard Street, an opportunity that arose from a meeting at Jacob’s Pillow in 2022. Artistic director Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell witnessed Torres’ artistry, and conversations sparked an idea, further fueled by company dancer Abdiel Figueroa Reyes’ question: “why don’t we have a Latine choreographer make a piece for Hubbard Street?” Just a year later, the vision became reality. Torres immersed herself with the company in September to foster mutual understanding of technique and style, returning in January to bring “Echoes of Our Ancestors” to life.
Torres’ technique is deeply rooted in her personal journey. Her early training encompassed folkloric dance within her family, alongside competitive ballroom and hustle. This eclectic foundation is what she terms “from the home to Broadway,” reflecting the diverse layers of her dance experience. She shared this rich spectrum with the Hubbard Street dancers, who embraced it wholeheartedly. Torres expressed admiration for the company members, highlighting their supportive nature and eagerness to explore new movement vocabularies.
“Echoes of Our Ancestors” serves as a reflection on Torres’ experiences since 2020. As an Afro Latina artist in the dance industry, she found herself frequently engaging in conversations about cultural appropriation and representation. Torres believes her perspective naturally emerges through her choreography. The piece pays homage to those who paved the way for her, capturing the echoes of past, present, and future. Composer Philip Hamilton crafted original music to underscore the piece’s emotional arc and nonlinear narrative. For Torres, it was crucial to create a work that resonated deeply with the Hubbard Street dancers, facilitating storytelling through movement and rhythm in a novel way for them.
Chicago’s unfamiliarity to Torres underscored the importance of reciprocal learning. She aimed to both impart her knowledge and absorb the dancers’ experiences to shape a piece that was mutually meaningful. Abdiel Figueroa Reyes became a key collaborator in this exploration, embodying the spirit of discovery within the work. Another dancer, Cyrie Topete, shared her personal story of restricted dance expression during her upbringing, inspiring a “liberation section” within the piece. “Echoes of Our Ancestors” explores themes of nature, legacy, and the journey of how we arrive at our present moment.
The prevailing theme of acknowledging ancestors and bridging past and present in contemporary dance resonates deeply with Torres. She sees the events of 2020 as a catalyst for this introspection. The current generation of dancers, like Abdiel and Cyrie, are vocal in their demand for authentic representation. This drive stems from the societal shifts and the need to move beyond code-switching. Younger dancers advocate for authenticity and knowledge passed down through generations.
Torres’ own journey was marked by early discouragement, facing perceptions that she didn’t fit conventional molds. Navigating the complexities of being an Afro Latina in America, she encountered numerous obstacles. However, her Brooklyn upbringing and resilient spirit fueled her determination. She embraced her identity and experiences, turning perceived roadblocks into stepping stones. The questions arising in 2020 prompted her to re-evaluate her non-profit, emphasizing education as a core pillar.
Torres’ current vision is rooted in unity and education, aiming to bridge racial divides rather than dismantle existing structures. She believes in the power of shared humanity. This philosophy underpins her collaboration with Hubbard Street, where she seeks to inspire young individuals like “little Abdiels and Cyries” – those who might not typically envision themselves on such stages – to recognize their potential within companies that embrace diverse voices and styles, including those rooted in Latin Street Dance Company aesthetics and beyond.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago “Of Hope” at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago. February 22-March 3. $15-$95. Tickets and info at hubbardstreetdance.com.
