PAMM's In Conversation Program Features Priscilla Alejandre on Mexican American Identity and Folklorico Dance

The Pérez Art Museum Miami's educational program 'In Conversation' hosted Priscilla Alejandre, a 29-year-old first-generation Mexican American from South Florida. The episode, inspired by the exhibition 'Xican-a.o.x Body' which showcases Chicano and Mexican American artists embracing indigenous roots, explored Alejandre's community engagement through her family's businesses and Mexican folklorico dance group. Her family operates a Mexican restaurant, meat market, and store in Broward County, providing goods for events like baptisms, quinceañeras, and weddings, and choreographing dances for these celebrations. Alejandre's mother founded a folklorico dance group after years of performing at church fundraisers, eventually leading to performances at multiple church branches across Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. The group performed at PAMM in 2023 for National Hispanic Month. Alejandre discussed the cultural significance of folklorico dancing, explaining its origins in Mexico's traditional dances from states like Jalisco and Oaxaca, with distinct attire such as mariachi outfits, Tehuana dresses, and guayabera shirts. She highlighted the Mixe Ayuuk dialect from Oaxaca, which her son understands. Alejandre reflected on the complexities of Mexican American identity, describing experiences where she felt neither 'American enough' nor 'Mexican enough,' and addressed internalized racism and colorism within Mexican society. She emphasized the importance of recognizing indigenous roots in Mexican culture, noting how youth engage with traditions through dance and music like zapateado. Alejandre expressed a desire for the Mexican and Mexican American community to grow in confidence and reject racism toward indigenous heritage. The program was produced by PAMM Education, written, recorded, narrated, and edited by Armando Zamora, with original music by Christian Cummings and Ruben Espinoza.