I saw a wonderful show at the Mission Dance Theatre in San Francisco this weekend and wanted to share how much it moved me.  The show is called “Pachuquismo” and is an all-female tap dance, Son Jarocho and live music performance inspired by the experiences of Las Pachucas in the 1940s and the systemic racism that communities of color continue to face today. 

There is a song that is often used in the dance community called “Zoot Suit Riot” by the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies.  I had no idea that the Zoot Suit Riots were an actual event that occurred in the 1940s between young Mexican American and white servicemen.  When the men were incarcerated, the women (Pachucas) donned the zoot suit style and took to the streets in a stand against injustice and racism, offering a mode of femininity that challenged accepted notions of race, gender and sexuality in the 1940s. 

This show celebrated both the Pachuquismo culture and the strength of women.  Unfortunately, it was just a two night event, but I have heard whispers of it being shown again in a larger venue in the near future.  I will let you know if I hear of any finite dates.

This show spoke to the power of the arts and how they can be used to further our education, once again proving that arts are a vital part of our society and our curriculum.