Cashion Cultural Legacy | Los Lupeños de San José

The Cashion Cultural Legacy (CCL) is committed to sustaining the presentation, preservation, 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 operating a professional Mexican folk dance company, offering accessible classes to the community, operating an artistic exchange of dancers, directors, and choreographer between California and México, and researching and documenting the art form.

Los Lupeños de San José  Founded in 1969, 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 celebrated it's 50th Anniversary in 2019 with a season of concerts and community events.

Los Lupeños Juvenil  Officially launched in July, 2015, Los Lupeños Juvenil is a performing youth ensemble that parallels the work of the adult dance company.  LL Juvenil debuted in the September 2015 Antaño concerts and since 2016 have had their own spring Tardeada matinee concert.  Its 26 dancers rehearse at an elevated level as they prepare for more performance opportunities.

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. Los Lupeños Academy offers accessible public folklórico classes to all ages and at all levels at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San José.  Academy instructors not only teach dance, but connect the steps to music, language, customs, culture, and history. Tuition assistance is offered so that families with economically challenges can still participate.

Annual 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.

Library & Publications Project  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.  The CCL has taken some basic first steps, including the publication of 2 books that speak to the early days of folklórico in California, one of which is now in its 2nd Edition with additional content available in e-book and paperback formats on Amazon. 

Your new and continued support for our artistic endeavors is greatly appreciated.  Los Lupeños de San José was the first Mexican folk dance group that was incorporated as a non-profit and it has survived over 5 decades on your generosity and the artists' passion.  ¡Mil gracias!