MEXICO City — There is a masterful range of styles and skills to be seen on the dance stage of Mexico’s Auditorio Nacional, especially in the Despertares gala. Yet the Mexican chief contributors — Isaac and Emilia Hernandez — can still open our eyes and our hearts to a completely different realm: a realm that encompasses all the ways even ordinary people can dance, and all the ways that dancing can make them feel.
25 performers from a range of styles and backgrounds formed the cast of Despertares, dressed in a plethora of scenic costumes, light makeup, breezy garb and soulful gestures. All are sensational professionals in the classical repertoire, but the rest have wildly varying abilities, and over the course of this deceptively simple work, they’re encouraged to reveal the very essence of their creative selves – taking it in turns to execute a pirouette, moonwalk, or lift, and executing a solo routine that the others have to copy.
The results were indeed brilliant, funny, and most touching, but entirely distinctive. Standouts included the powerfully moving moments of Kayla Mak’s own solo (in which she performed Schubert’s Ave Maria), Nikisha Fogo’s poised interpretation of Blakeworks, which has an incredibly winsome quality to it, while Chay Jurado’s soft dancing to the sound of his breath and smoke was equally riveting and revealing.
‘Gala’ is not quite the best word to describe the breadth of this work, but still it bears the stamp of a special genius, both in evoking so much of its performers’ dedication and in winning over his audience. When the dancers let rip in a final moment of communal cheer, Mexico City was not only cheering them on, but it wished to jump headfirst on that stage, too.
Below, GLASS caught up with a few of this year’s guest artists to weigh in on the 2025 edition:
Alina Cojocaru. Photograph: Nath Martin
Alina Cojocaru OBE
“I’m thrilled to be performing again with Despertares. This unique and captivating show showcases exceptional quality and the versatility of its artists, making it inspiring for me as a performer and, I believe, for the audience as well.”
Gabriele Frola. Photograph: Nath Martin
Gabriele Frola, San Francisco Ballet
“Despertares is my favorite gala because it beautifully showcases a diverse array of dance styles and talents, from classical to hip-hop, tap dancing, contemporary, and more. Having lived in Mexico for a year, I developed a deep connection with the culture. Dancing here feels like home to me, and it’s my way of expressing gratitude for the warmth and love I received during my time in this incredible country.
Each performance at Despertares reminds me of the joy we can bring to the audience and how important it is for Mexico to have such a wonderful night of celebration. I’m so grateful to Isaac and his team for creating such an incredible show and for inviting me once again.”
Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia. Photograph: Nath Martin
Tiler Peck, New York City Ballet
“I am thrilled to be returning to Despertares for the second year in a row. Last year, I was completely blown away by the enthusiasm and love that Mexico City visibly has for this incredible art form. I cannot wait to experience what I love most (to dance) with a community who appreciates it as much as I do!”
Isaac Hernández & Nikisha Fogo. Photograph: Nath Martin
Nikisha Fogo, San Francisco Ballet
“I can’t wait to perform in Mexico City as part of Despertares! It will be my third time and every performance, alongside such an incredibly talented group of artists, leaves me feeling deeply inspired. Mexico City in particular holds a special significance to me. So much so that I will be getting married here in January (of 2026) at the former home of Leonora Carrington, the legendary British-Mexican surrealist painter and novelist.
I’ve truly fallen in love with this city: the passion, kindness, and generosity of its people; the richness of its culture, the incredible food, and its vibrant art scene. I’m so excited to share my own art with this place I adore, through the magic of Despertares.”
Kayla Mak. Photograph: Nath Martin
Kayla Mak, American Ballet Theatre
“Being in Despertares and having the chance to connect with artists that I have looked up to is such a highlight!”
by Chidozie Obasi