UDLAP’s Cultural Teams Conclude Successful 2025 Winter Concert Tour
The University of the Americas Puebla (UDLAP) concluded its 2025 winter concert tour with the Orquesta Symphonia, the Chamber Choir, Opera UDLAP, and the Folkloric Ballet Zentzontle performing to full houses across four traditional venues and a new stage. The tour concluded spectacularly in two iconic Puebla and Tlaxcala venues.
UDLAP’s Longstanding Presence in Puebla’s Catedral Basílica
For the thirteenth time, the Altar Mayor of Puebla’s Catedral Basílica became the main stage for UDLAP’s traditional Christmas concert. Over 80 talented students and artists performed before a packed audience, guided by conductor Dr. Laura Reyes Peñaloza.
The Orquesta Symphonia opened the musical program with a remarkable rendition of “Polonesa” from Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Christmas Eve suite. Accompanied by the Chamber Choir and soloists—tenors, sopranos, mezzo-sopranos, and baritones—the orchestra continued with classic and Christmas pieces that earned a special applause from the audience.
The concert ended enthusiastically, with all artists performing the traditional UDLAP Christmas medley that transformed the space into a festive atmosphere of community. Joaquín Cruz Martínez, UDLAP’s Director of Cultural Activities, expressed gratitude to the audience and emphasized UDLAP’s privilege of performing in the cathedral, representing the entire university community.
Capilla del Arte UDLAP Participates in Puebla’s Night of Museums
Under the leadership of Rector Luis Ernesto Derbez, UDLAP’s Capilla del Arte, a cultural space in Puebla’s historic center, joined the special activities during Puebla’s Night of Museums in mid-December. Visitors interested in exploring this cultural venue during the holidays can do so from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, observing the French structure housing the gallery, exploring the new collective exhibition spanning two floors of the iconic building, and participating in various activities.
“Habitar el umbral: Cuerpo, memoria y territorio en diálogo” is the exhibition available starting this Saturday. It intertwines body, memory, and territory as living and changing experiences through 74 pieces by UDLAP-affiliated professors, alumni, and artists.
Mauricio Audirac Camarena, Capilla del Arte’s Director, expressed his gratitude for the artists’ participation in this exhibition, which showcases the dedication and commitment to presenting an exhibition worthy of UDLAP’s excellence and reputation.
Showcasing Creative Processes and Choreographic Composition
In early December 2025, the AG106 Scenic Arts Room hosted a presentation for the course Choreographic Composition II, where students shared their creative process results.
The presented pieces were created and performed by Bárbara Evangelista Romero, Fátima Martínez Escobedo, Frida Juárez, Lizbeth Meneses, Mayli Fernández, Mariana Ruiz, and Victoria Rugerio. Each movement highlighted their research, scenic discourse construction, and exploration of personal and collective themes.
Earlier in December 2025, the Centro Estudiantil at UDLAP hosted ACTO | Performance Danza UDLAP y Cía. Fragmentos, a performance resulting from a collaboration between UDLAP’s Dance Company and Brazil’s Fragmentos Dance Company.
Directed by Vanessa Macedo, the piece was born from a shared creation process between Mexican and Brazilian students over two days of intensive rehearsals. The director explained that the piece originated in Brazil, inspired by a Chilean collective protesting against feminicide, now addressing violence realities in various countries. “This piece is a denunciation, protest, and challenge to think about how we can stand together against violence and how men and women can unite with a single voice,” Macedo invited the audience to reflect collectively through art.
UDLAP Dance Student Excels Internationally in Contemporary Dance
Third-year Licenciatura en Danza student Arlet Rubio Cepeda shone nationally and internationally by winning first place in Mexico’s Fiesta Feis, one of the country’s most relevant Irish dance competitions. She also participated in an academic and artistic experience in Phoenix, Arizona, furthering her professional development on international stages.
Arlet shared that she had been trying to win her category for years, and hearing her name as the champion was an immense satisfaction due to her hard work, dedication, and training. She has been practicing Irish dance since age six and recently secured first place in the Preliminary Championship category of Fiesta Feis de México.
The competition, organized by Drake School of Irish Dance México, took place on November 1 at the Colegio de Ingenieros Civiles de México, featuring dancers from various schools across the country. Recognized by the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA) and guided by Commission on Irish Dancing (CLRG) standards, the competition assessed technique, style, rhythm, musicality, and stage presence.
Following the competition, Arlet joined a creative artistic journey to Phoenix, Arizona, alongside Kinea Dance School and Quinto Elemento company under Karina Cepeda’s direction.
