ABOUT

Danys “La Mora” Pérez, a 2019 Dance/USA Doris Duke fellow, is an internationally renowned master of Afro-Cuban folkloric dance. Pérez is an expert dancer, teacher and choreographer specializing in all the unique styles of Afro-Cuban culture. She toured internationally with Ballet Folklorico Cutumba for 18 years. In 1994, Pérez was granted the highest possible designations of prima ballerina and dance professor by the National Dance Commission in Cuba. Since 1996, she has taught at universities throughout the U.S. The legendary Katherine Dunham invited Pérez to participate in her prestigious East Saint Louis seminars. This dance icon's invitation to Wayne State University led to the inaugural performance of the African-American Museum in Detroit. For the past 20 years, Pérez has taught weekly Afro Cuban dance classes, including the Ailey Extension program and Djoniba Dance and Drum Centre in New York city. In 2005, Pérez founded Oyu Oro, a binational Afro-Cuban dance ensemble, which she runs as its artistic director. In addition to producing annual premieres, the company has participated in events such as the International Festival in Santiago de Cuba, Havana and Mexico, Dance Africa at BAM, Jacob's Pillow Inside/Out Festival, Lincoln Center Outdoor Stage, Harlem Havana Festival. In 2010, she founded the annual Dos Aguas Dance Program, a comprehensive dance and cultural study program in Cuba. In 2021, the company was featured on the ABC TV’s “Corazon de America” to celebrate and represent Hispanic Black culture. Danys “La Mora” Pérez is invested in dance itself and in spreading the knowledge and power of culture, art and history. Her work aims to please the eye and to enrich the mind, body and soul.