Moving Arts News:
ESPANOLA — El Agua es Vida (Water is Life) is an evening of theater, dance, live music, and visual art created and performed by Moving Arts students and a cast of intergenerational performers in partnership with the New Mexico Acequia Association. Centered on water as a living thread through New Mexican land, culture, and community, the performance honors the generations who have fought to protect it. Through their work, these young artists bring New Mexico’s acequia traditions to the Lensic stage.
More than a performance, this event is an opportunity for young people to connect with their culture, build confidence, and take pride in where they come from. El Agua es Vida celebrates stories of resilience and belonging, expressed through an interdisciplinary approach by young people with powerful voices and real stories to tell.
For many of these students, Moving Arts is a second home, a place to explore, express, expand, and find their voice alongside working artists and dedicated mentors. Preparing for a performance at the Lensic brings high stakes: rigorous rehearsals, long hours of collaboration, and the pressure and pride of stepping onto one of New Mexico’s most respected stages.
Alongside the choreography and music, students are also creating original visual art and sets that deepen the storytelling and transform the stage into a living expression of their ideas and heritage.
The performance features the world-famous Russian pianist Katya Grineva. Grineva has collaborated with Moving Arts before and will play a selection for our very own Than Povi Martinez, this year’s Miss Indian New Mexico 57. Martinez is an alumnus of Moving Arts and the current ballet teacher; she will also serve as the 2027 firespirit for Zozobra.
An original script, by Roger Montoya, Paula Breaux, and Moving Arts Drama Students, El Agua es Vida honors the acequias through stunning performances by our students. “Performing at the Lensic is a great opportunity for me as a homeschooler! Moving Arts introduced me to dance, and I hope to continue dancing!” said Lauren Trujillo, a Moving Arts student and mentor who has been in the program for ten years.
“Building a new generation of creatives who understand the power of our land, our water, and our culture is at the core of our mission. This production illuminates this story through music, theater, and dance,” said Moving Arts Creative Director, Roger Montoya. From Flamenco to Hip Hop, and live music by the Arts band—this is a must-see celebration of culture, art, and the next generation of New Mexican storytellers.
About Moving Arts
Moving Arts is a community-based arts education organization dedicated to providing high-quality instruction in dance, music, theater, and visual arts for youth in Northern New Mexico. Through mentorship, performance opportunities, and creative exploration, Moving Arts empowers students to develop confidence, discipline, and artistic excellence.
