JENNIFER “BEASTY” ACOSTA

As a professional Dancer, Choreographer and Beatboxer, I want to thank Pepatián for years of giving me opportunities and platforms as an emerging artist. I have shared my artistry at Pepatián’s Hip Hop Homelands, Women Rep the Bronx showcase in 2019, Pepatián’s 11th annual Bronx Artist Now showcase in 2021 featured my dance and beatboxing performance, and i was a featured dancer in the “Sharing the Same Cielo” performance video with other Bronx-based artists. Most recently, I was the hosted - for the first time - for Pepatián’s 5th annual Hip Hop Homelands live event at BAAD!. Since 2019, I have taught hip hop dance workshops for youth - at the first annual Hip-Hop Homelands at the New Settlement and at The Point, and also through the second annual Bronx Grows Dance program at DreamYard, giving youth the skills of self-expression through dance and sharing their artistic voices. I appreciate you so much Pepatián. The future looks amazing with more great work ahead.

photo credit: Calvin Martin @csmest1989

BLANKA AMEZKUA
The unwavering support and insightful recommendations extended during crucial junctures of my artistic journey have left me immensely grateful and forever thankful. MUCHAS GRACIAS! CONGRATULATIONS and for 40 more!!!!!

Blanka Amezkua, founder of BBBP and AAA3A in South Bronx

photo by Meredith Mashburn

DARE AYORINDE

Dancing Futures provided the space, support and grace needed to re-enter a creative producing space while we gently moved from quarantine. In that space of vulnerability my cohort and I were encouraged to come as we were and try new things....and so I did! Shout out to Fana Fraser who was my mentor and to Pepatián for putting us into relationship.

BEATRICE CAPOTE

Pepatián supported all of my work, project and ideas. They gave me the space where I could empower and lift my voice. They are the epitome of an organization to highlight all artists from emerging to established and bring it to audiences! They are unique and I am proud to be a part of this organization! 

TATIANA DESARDOUIN
Pepatiàn is the kind of organization that genuinely wants to see you shine and thrive!

It is a community-based organization that understands the needs of underrepresented artists. They are constantly sharing knowledge, connecting people and providing them with tools to grow. With constant support, great listening skills and the right space, your voice feels heard and elevated!

Pepatiàn has given me the courage and the opportunity to push my ideas further. 

An organization that sets the bar high in terms of artistic support, without which Passion Fruit Dance Company would not be what it is today. 

Thank you!!  - Tatiana Desardouin, Artistic Director/ Choreographer Passion Fruit , Dance Company 

Photo credit: Lauriane Ogay 

@lauriane_ogay_photography

REBECCA LLOYD - JONES

Congrats on your 40th anniversary!!! The support and opportunities that Pepatián gave me over the years were priceless. They made me grow, expand, and learn as an artist. I am truly grateful for this organization!

WANDA RAIMUNDI ORTIZ

“This organization gave me the support I needed as a working emerging artist to bring me where I am now.”

— Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz, Interdisciplinary Visual Artist, Professor, School of Art, CVPA

ALETHEA PACE

Eternally grateful for Pepatián's unwavering support and inspiration throughout my artistic journey! 

photo: Whitney Browne

JESSICA RAY
Pepatián gave me the freedom and encouragement to experiment in my practice. They saw my work as an artist as valuable, and that belief gave my practice an opportunity to transform and grow in depth and in artistry. I am so appreciative. HUGE CONGRATS ON 40 YEARS! 40 MORE TO GO!

photo: Whitney Browne

AWILDA RODRIGUEZ LORA aka La Performera

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Felicidades!! Happy 40 years. 

Pepatián moves us to explore, create and grow as artists. I am so grateful to have them by my side as I moved through the process of understanding myself as a queer afro caribbean performance artist. Gracias por el apoyo a ser la artista que hoy soy.

MALEEK WASHINGTON

alumnus, Dancing Futures Residency

Pepatián got the ball rolling. Gave me the courage to create with my voice, not anyone else’s.

photo: Whitney Browne