Los Lupeños de San José
Los Lupeños was founded in 1969 by Susan Cashion and Ramón Morones. Cashion was exposed to Mexican folk dance at the University of Guadalajara where she was studying under a Fulbright Scholarship. Morones was a talented painter studying his craft at the university where male students were quickly recruited into the university folk dance company. Cashion brought Morones back with her to the Bay Area with the idea of seeing whether there was enough interest to form a local Mexican folk dance company. The response was overwhelming! With the help of the Consul General of México in San José and civic leader Guadalupe Suárez, Los Lupeños was born.
One of the things that sets Los Lupeños apart is that dancers do not pay monthly fees nor do they have to purchase their costumes. We believe that their strong commitment as artists and performers is contribution enough.
Over the years many talented artists have worked with Los Lupeños. The dance company has traveled and performed in México, England, Ireland, and all around the United States in a variety of venues, large and small. As with all dance companies, there are ups and downs, high times and hard times, exciting adventures and lost opportunities. The common thread through the years has been the passion of the dancers, directors, students, instructors, family members, and collaborators that have kept the original vision alive for more than 50 years.
If you or your organization is interested in a performance by Los Lupeños, please fill out our online performance request form either in English or Spanish. We will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Los Lupeños de San José is available for private and community events, including quinceañeras, weddings, festivals, corporate functions, and cultural celebrations. Availability depends on the event date, location.
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Please use the Performance Request Form on our website. We recommend submitting requests as early as possible.
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Yes. Los Lupeños has extensive experience performing throughout California, across the United States, and internationally. Travel and lodging costs may apply for out-of-area performances.
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Ideally, 1–2 months in advance. Peak seasons (Hispanic Heritage, Dia de los Muertos, 5 de mayo) fill quickly, so earlier inquiries are encouraged.
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We do our best to accommodate regional or thematic requests when possible. Final repertoire decisions are based on artistic integrity, dancer availability, and program length.
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Los Lupeños de San José is a professional folklórico company. Dancers join by audition or by artistic invitation only, and prior folklórico experience is required. Participation in Los Lupeños Academy classes is strongly recommended before auditioning for the company.
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No. Los Lupeños is free to participate in. Dancers do not pay tuition or membership fees, but participation requires a high level of commitment and some required volunteer involvement.
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Los Lupeños de San José is based at Mexican Heritage Plaza (1700 Alum Rock Ave, San José, CA 95116) and Starting Arts (525 Parrott St, San José, CA 95112).