In the heart of Guadalajara, under the bright lights of the Goyado Theater, one of the country’s most prestigious dance competitions was taking place. It was a night like any other, with renowned judges, rolling cameras, and an expectant audience. But what no one expected was that this evening would become legendary.
Among the contestants was Esperanza Morales, a 19-year-old from a small town in Oaxaca. Her simple dress contrasted with the elaborate outfits of her competitors. Her hands trembled slightly as she waited for her turn, knowing she had traveled more than 500 km with her last savings to be there.
The main judge, Rodrigo Santillán, a man known for his sarcastic tone and his disdain for provincial dancers, looked at her disdainfully from his seat. He had already whispered to the other judges about the country girl who thought she was a dancer. The tension in the air was palpable, and Esperanza could feel all the gazes fixed on her, some supportive, others with anticipated mockery.
Seriously, Rodrigo murmured into the microphone when Esperanza’s name was announced. This is the big surprise they promised us. His comment provoked some nervous laughter from the audience, while others shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Esperanza walked to the center of the stage with her head held high, even though her heart was beating like a war drum. She had dreamed of this moment since she was a little girl, when she watched the dancers on television in her town and thought that one day she too would shine on a stage like this. “Tell us, dear,” Rodrigo continued with a cruel smile. “What are you going to present for us? A folk dance from your town?” The laughter of some of the audience echoed in the theater, and Esperanza felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment, but then she remembered her grandmother’s words.
“My daughter, when the world tries to make you small, dance bigger.” He stood up straight and responded with a firm voice. “I’m going to dance a fusion of contemporary dance with traditional Guelaguetza elements.” The contempt in Rodrigo’s eyes intensified. “How original,” he said sarcastically. “You’re sure to show us something we’ve never seen before.”
“But anyway, since you came all this way,” she paused dramatically. “We’re going to give you a special opportunity. Instead of the regulation three minutes, you have only one. One minute to prove if you truly deserve to be here with the real artists.” Silence fell over the theater. It was a public humiliation, a trap designed to make her fail.
The other contestants looked at her with pity, some with relief that they weren’t the ones chosen for public ridicule. Esperanza felt the world shake around her, but something deep inside her, something she had inherited from generations of strong women, ignited like a flame. “One minute will be more than enough,” she replied, and walked to the center of the stage, while the sound technician prepared the music with a mocking smile.
