Piel Canela: Blessed Hands

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Piel Canela: Blessed Hands is an evocative and dynamic Afro-Caribbean dance-theatre performance that weaves together the powerful story of a community's triumph over oppression and spiritual awakening. Set during the Caribbean’s colonial era, the show follows Francisco, a young warrior whose tragic death ignites a revolution within his tribe. His spirit, carried through fire and memory, drives the people’s struggle for freedom. At the heart of this journey is Zamira, Francisco’s widow, who must find the strength to lead the tribe through the fire of revolution, guided by ancestral wisdom, pain, and the enduring power of love.

Through Afro-Cuban folklore movements, Latin jazz, and Afro-contemporary dance sequences, Piel Canela fuses spiritual ritual, ancestral music, and vibrant rhythms to create a mesmerizing portrayal of resistance, resilience, and cultural unity. The story explores grief, loss, rebellion, and healing themes, offering a raw and moving narrative that celebrates community, identity, and the legacy of survival.

Director & Choreographer: Raynner Garcia

Costume Coordinator: Jason Sallivan

Cast: (Alphabetical Order)

Aiden Winter

Asa Lecourbier

Autumn Risbrook

Calme Brown

Crystal Herrera

Isabelle Heinzen

Khalyah Adams-Thompson

Najah Iman

Seret McCarty

Teresa Solaka



The banner image above: pictured Najah Muhammad; photo by Ciel Lanchester, for the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago.

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