The Mexican Dance Academy of Nebraska shines during the State of Nebraska’s anniversary

The best way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the State of Nebraska is to dance. The Orpheum Theater knows this, which is why it opened its doors for the event organized by Omaha Performing Arts in which 14 dance companies came together to put on a show in which each participant managed to present the best of their choreographic repertoire.
The only Latino dance academy in attendance was the Mexican Dance Academy of Nebraska, led by Hector Moreno, which literally “stole the show.”
“Nebraska in Motion” was the name of this September show that included many groups from around the State, with the expectation of allowing each group to showcase, through dance, what Nebraska meant to them.
And dance they did. The versatility of the show allowed those in attendance to appreciate modern dance, ballet, belly dancing and Mexican folklore, to name a few.
For Hector Moreno, performing at said location was twice as special: “First of all, it was an honor to be invited to be among the select group of dancers who could celebrate the State of Nebraska’s anniversary in the most important theater in the city of Omaha,” said Moreno, with the second one being how happy he is to perform there as he remembers sitting among the audience at the Orpheum Theater years ago when he said to himself: “One day I’ll also set foot on this stage.”
Hector didn’t dance, but his dancers certainly did, all under the supervision of the demanding dreamer who finally saw his wish come true. Back then be probably didn’t think of how the public would react, but it definitely couldn’t have been any better than this.
First of all, it was the only academy that, according to the choreographer, was allowed to dance for a bit longer than the rest. And second, it received big ovations more than once as everyone danced, with the audience screaming, whistling and applauding as they chanted “Viva Mexico.”
Members of Omaha Performing Arts stated that the purpose of these performances was to show the diversity and talent of Nebraska, showcasing at the same tome the many different types and styles of dancing in the region.
At the end of the event choreographer, Kat Fackler presented a dance called “Flyover Country,” written by UNL composer Tyler White and interpreted by the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras. For this, the group included one dancer from each academy for a big show of Nebraska in Motion, which was a pleasant surprise for the dancers and the audience.
This is how Nebraska celebrated its 150th anniversary, by showcasing the many cultures in its territory, presenting the importance of the role each one plays in building the State’s identity.