Faces of VLACC: Carla Alcántara

Meet Carla Alcántara, a Mexican multidisciplinary artist, dancer, emerging choreographer, photographer, videographer, and educator. Having collaborated with the VLACC in many different roles, her connection to the organization runs deep and is beautifully layered. 

For Carla, VLACC has been a pillar in her artistic journey. Not only did she encounter people who welcome her ideas, support her programs, and consistently believe in her work, but also being involved with VLACC allowed her to connect with an inspiring network of Latinx artists and collaborators.

Beyond her artistic practice and as an immigrant to Canada, Carla recognizes VLACC to be a cultural bridge and a source of empowerment. In reflecting about the value of celebrating Latin American culture in Vancouver, she affirms: “Giving visibility to the Latinx community is crucial in this city. As a minority, it’s important to highlight and share our culture, our perspectives, the raw beauty of our countries, our stories, our language, the taste of our food, and the texture of our movement. VLACC creates spaces where we can do that authentically and proudly. They braid stories across cultures, fostering meaningful connections in a city where co-existence is rich with potential.”

Recently, Carla has been working with Marco Esccer on the show “Seeds of Resistance,” co-produced by VLACC and TEMPO Dance & Visual Arts. This piece is part of a series of events taking place in May in celebration of Rosario Castellanos’s centennial. The show features a living installation and a full-length performance that will be followed by a Q&A session. “It’s a milestone in my career and a heartfelt tribute to a woman who continues to inspire generations” shares Carla reflecting on the event’s significance. 

In addition to “Seeds of Resistance,” VLACC invites everyone to attend “Preguntas a Rosario” — a community workshop that encourages attendees to explore Castellanos’s powerful questions through movement and dialogue— and “Translating Rosario Castellanos: A Dance and Literary Tribute” — an afternoon of discussion around the process of translating her literary work from Spanish to English as well as from written text to dance form.

As a response to last year’s successful iteration of “Dance and Embrace Your Body,” Carla is currently offering a new edition of this workshop for adults of all levels and abilities who wish to explore human connection and self-empowerment. Be sure to follow Carla on Instagram (@carla_alcantara55) as she dances through the city showcasing her dynamic practice!  

Text edited by Mirella Livoti