This multidisciplinary, multimedia work features choreography rooted in folklorico traditions alongside contemporary choreography, film, and spoken word. While one dancer performs the role of the protagonist (Lopez), the love interest is played by four different dancers, each representing a phase in the relationship—falling in love (Josue Oregel), lustful honeymoon phase (Matt Han), first fight (Kevin Gaytan), and break-up (Luis Isiordia). Lopez is known for his expertise in multiple realms, not just choreography and performance. He is a costume designer and constructor, lighting designer, and filmmaker. His passionate commitment to production elements adds a depth to the story and aesthetic rarely seen in the Bay Area. 

"I’m thrilled to share a unique fusion of my modern dance training and folklorico traditions, emphasizing the vibrant cultural narratives that emerge when viewed through a queer lens,” notes Lopez. “This project not only celebrates the beauty and richness of folklorico dance but also seeks to challenge conventional perspectives by highlighting the experiences and identities of the LGBTQ+ community. Through this blend, I aim to create a performance that resonates with both the heart and the spirit, inviting the audience to explore the intersections of culture, identity, and artistry."

By centering the folklorico movement, music, and costuming, the work challenges the dance form’s strong commitment to the gender binary, with the hope of building a more open and inclusive community. Mucho Machismo y Pocos Machos follows on the heels of Lopez’s critically acclaimed Entre Despierto y Dormido, in which folklorico also played a significant role. In that work, his character embarked on a journey toward accepting himself as a Queer Mexican man. In this new work, Lopez’s character is solid in his identity but vulnerable to pressures within his dance community to hide it.

 

This project is timely and important, as closeted and homophobic behavior still reigns supreme in the folklorico community. Rogelio Lopez is a member of both the Bay Area modern/contemporary dance community, which embraces queerness in all its forms, and the folklorico community, which, for the most part, does not. “My hope is to demonstrate my love for and pride in folklorico as a vibrant, emotional, and celebratory dance form that nevertheless remains mired in outdated beliefs about gender and sexuality.” Lopez seeks to initiate an open and constructive dialogue aimed at dismantling toxic masculinity in Mexican culture. By addressing the harmful behaviors and societal expectations associated with traditional masculinity, the goal is to foster a deeper understanding of how these norms affect individuals and communities. This conversation aspires to create a safe space for reflection and change, encouraging participants to explore alternative definitions of manhood that promote respect, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence. Through this approach, Lopez hopes to inspire meaningful transformations that contribute to healthier relationships and a more equitable society.

WHO: Rogelio Lopez & Dancers 

WHAT: Mucho Machismo y Pocos Machos

WHEN: September 12-13, 2025 at 8pm; September 14, 2025 at 4pm

WHERE: Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

TICKETS: $30-50 (limited free tickets available). Purchase them through Eventbrite  

MORE INFO: http://www.rogeliodance.com