Ana María Álvarez's CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater premiered "Roots of Loving Us," a powerful work exploring family through diverse dance forms.
The dance world buzzed with anticipation on October 16, 2026, as Ana María Álvarez's acclaimed CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater unveiled the world premiere of "Roots of Loving Us" at the Epstein Family Amphitheater at UC San Diego. This groundbreaking evening-length work, co-choreographed by Álvarez and holly johnston, offers a poignant and dynamic exploration of the intricate concept of family in the 21st century.
"Roots of Loving Us" transcends traditional narratives, delving into the diverse ways families are formed, sustained, and redefined. The piece draws deeply from real conversations with individuals from various backgrounds, including adoptees, foster families, bioadaptive families, queer parents, and single-parent households. This rich tapestry of human experience is woven into a powerful choreographic journey that examines themes of biological uprooting, unchosen separation, and the re-rooting of bodies, ultimately reshaping what a family tree can signify.
CONTRA-TIEMPO, renowned for its "activist dance theater" approach, masterfully blends a vibrant array of movement vocabularies. The performance integrates Afro-Cuban, hip-hop, and contemporary dance, creating a physical language that is both culturally rich and universally resonant. The company's dancers bring their embodied knowledge of Afro-Latine movement practices to life, infusing the work with authenticity and a compelling energy. Beyond the physicality, "Roots of Loving Us" incorporates somatic healing and ancestral technologies of dance, music, and imagery, offering a multimodal experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally charged.
Ana María Álvarez, a visionary choreographer and movement activist, alongside holly johnston of Responsive Body, has crafted a work that invites audiences to reflect on how love, connection, and belonging profoundly shape our lives. This premiere solidifies CONTRA-TIEMPO's reputation for creating impactful art that not only entertains but also sparks dialogue and inspires change within communities.
For those inspired by the innovative spirit and technical prowess showcased in "Roots of Loving Us," exploring diverse dance forms like Afro-Cuban and contemporary dance can open up new avenues for self-expression and understanding.
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"Roots of Loving Us" is a world-premiere dance work by CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater that delves into the multifaceted concept of family, drawing from diverse experiences such as adoption, foster care, and chosen families. It explores how love, connection, and belonging shape our lives.
Ana María Álvarez is the Founding Artistic Director of CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater, a Los Angeles-based company known for fusing Salsa, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop, and contemporary dance to create socially conscious and engaging performances. Álvarez is also a faculty member at UC San Diego, and her work often addresses themes of social justice and community.
