Blending classical ballet with folklórico traditions, Por La Luz de la Luna celebrates the beauty and rich history of the Mexican people while honoring the experiences of Mexican Americans. It is a story of identity, courage, family, and the power of heritage passed from one generation to the next.
Since last year, 36 dancers have been preparing to bring this beloved Mexican ballet back to the stage. SCD students, joined by alumni and community performers, have spent months in focused rehearsal training in both classical ballet and traditional folklórico to share this powerful story with our community.
Audiences of all ages will be drawn into a world of folkloric rhythms, vivid storytelling, and national identity. Set to 20th-century Mexican classical music by composers such as Carlos Chávez and José Pablo Moncayo, and brought to life through striking sets and Aztec-inspired costumes by visual artist PEMEX. An original ballet libretto by Roberto Miguel, Isabelle Sjahsam, and Patty O’Reilly, Por La Luz de la Luna weaves history, mythology, and family legacy into a moving theatrical experience. The ballet premiered April 9, 2016, at Sebastiani Theatre and remains an unforgettable work in the company’s repertory.
Content notice: This production contains scenes referencing state violence, including by Border Patrol, which some individuals may find distressing.
As the full moon rises over a warm California night, a curious young girl listens as her mother’s stories awaken generations of courage, devotion, and myth—moonlit rebels fighting for freedom, young lovers crossing borders in search of hope, and an ancient goddess whose battle with the sun lights the sky.
Credits
Ballet Libretto
Roberto Miguel, Isabelle Sjahsam, Patty O’Reilly
Based on a story by
Aida Salazar
Music
Carlos Chávez, Blas Galindo, Candelario Huízar, José Pablo Moncayo, Manuel Ponce, Juventino Rosas, Silvestre Revueltas
Sets and Aztec Costumes
Visual Artist - PEMEX
Directed & Choreographed
Isabelle Sjahsam
Additional Choreography
Giselle Lara, Patricia O’Reilly
Creative Producer
Roberto Miguel
Additional Costume Design & Realization
Carol Del Aguila, Monica Furchi, Danielle Gehring-Leslie, Giselle Lara, Christina Lowery, Patty O’Reilly, Eva Reyes, Alica Ringstad, Isabelle Sjahsam, Dana Van Meter
Special Thanks
Jesus “Jacoh” Cortes and Cuicacalli Dance School & Company, Martha Hernandez and Alberto the Historian of Museo del Periodismo y las Artes Graficas in Guadalajara along with Peter Boone, Lori Bremner, Eva Reyes, Xl1s, and the dancers who lent their dedication and creativity to the process
Synopsis
Prelude and Scene 1 ~ Jovita and the Cristeros
Little Lucila is trying to sleep on a hot night in California. Moonbeams dance around her bedroom, and she is caught up in the magic of the moon. When Lucila’s mother Carmela checks on her daughter, she realizes that the little one has never seen the full moon so late at night. Lucila wants to know what the moon is and why it is so big. Carmela tells her daughter how her ancestors worshiped the moon and also tells her of the different traditions surrounding the moon. Lucila’s great-great grandmother, Jovita Valdovinos, once cut her hair short by the light of the moon. Dressed as a man, Jovita became a rebel army leader and fights for religious freedom in Mexico. Lucila follows the story closely, and it comes alive in her mind.
Scene 2 ~ Crossings
A few years later, it has become a tradition for Carmela to tell Lucila family stories on full moon nights. After asking many times about her grandfather, Carmela finally tells her the story of how her grandparents fell in love, how her Abuela Estela came to this country, and why Lucila has never met her Abuelo Carmelo. Carmela begins by teaching Lucila some folklorico steps from Jalisco and by telling her to imagine her grandparents doing the same dance years ago. Lucila gets lost in the world of her grandparents’ falling in love as young people. Carmela and Lucila visit the wedding in their minds. And Lucila learns that all those years ago, Carmela’s parents went to cross the border by the light of the full moon.
Scene 3 ~ Coyolxauqui y Huitzilopochtli
Carmela tells Lucila about her ancestors from ancient times. Coyolxauqui is a goddess that commands an army of Star Warriors. Coyolxauqui is angered when her mother, Coatlicue, becomes pregnant by a plume of feathers that falls from the sky. She leads her army of brothers to confront her mother. Before they can touch her, Coatlicue gives birth to Huitzilopochtli, the god of war. During the battle, Huitzilopochtli shatters Coyolxauqui to pieces. Coatlicue, the earth goddess, resurrects Coyolxauqui as the moon and places Huitzilopochtli on the opposite side of the sky to become the sun.
Scene 4
Carmela decides it is time for Lucila to try on the folklorico dress that has been passed down for generations in her family. Her mother and grandmother help her into the dress. As she puts it on, Lucila feels the weight of her family history and is also greatly empowered with this knowledge. She is transforming into an empowered young Chicana woman.
