About the Nonprofit
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The Cashion Cultural Legacy (CCL) is committed to sustaining the preservation, presentation, and education of Mexican folk culture through dance. In honor and recognition of Dr. Susan V. Cashion and her many contributions to the dance world, the CCL pursues this mission by hosting two professional Mexican folk dance companies, offering accessible classes to the community, operating an artist exchange of dancers, directors, and choreographers between California and México, and researching and documenting the art form.
Los Lupeños de San José & Los Lupeños Juvenil
Founded in 1969 by visionaries Ramón Morones and Susan Cashion, Los Lupeños is recognized as one of the earliest Mexican folk dance companies in California. Los Lupeños is known for its artistry, history, traditions, innovation, and endurance. Los Lupeños artists are passionate about learning and executing their art form, representing their culture, and being a positive force within the California dance community. As a program of the CCL since 2014, Los Lupeños has been a part of the fabric of San José for over 5 decades. In 2015, Los Lupeños Juvenil was created as a performing youth ensemble that parallels the traditional dance training of the main adult company. Both companies are directed by renowned choreographer Samuel Cortez.
Los Lupeños Academy
Throughout its history, dance education has always been a part of the vision of the CCL and of Los Lupeños de San José. Co-sponsored by the School of Arts and Culture @MHP, Los Lupeños Academy offers accessible public folklórico classes to all ages and at all levels at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San José, California. Academy instructors not only teach dance, but connect the steps to music, language, customs, culture, and history. Four 10-week sessions are offered every year, each ending with a culmination event or theater recital.
Artist Exchange
Whenever possible, CCL seizes opportunities to bolster artistic exchange between California and México by sponsoring dancers, directors, and choreographers from both sides of the border. Conceived in 2009, CCL Artist Exchange scholarships are awarded annually to individuals that show promise in their area of expertise, a keen interest in field research, and a desire to broaden their artistic perspective. In 2022 and 2023 our Artist Exchange was quadrupled in scope thanks to a targeted grant by the Hewlett Foundation.
Library, Publications, Archives
Every dance artist, choreographer, director, or instructor keeps reference notes, music, or video on their craft. The CCL has begun to collect and curate materials that reference the Mexican folk dance movement in México and the United States with the hope of someday having them available for the general public. This is still a dream. The CCL has taken some basic first steps, including the publication of 2 books that speak to the early days of folklórico in California and its pioneers.
