Founded in 1531, Puebla is one of the most dynamic urban centers in Mexico and celebrates its 476th anniversary this year. For three centuries it was the trade capital of New Spain and the link between the Asian and European colonies of the vast Spanish Empire. Puebla's vibrant cultural life has made it a popular place for major universities and it is also an important industrial and tourism center. Puebla is easily accessible to the other major cities of Mexico and the United States by a modern air and land transport network.

Puebla is the fourth largest city in Mexico, with an ancient tradition as a cultural Capital. However, in recent years that tradition has suffered from transformations to the Mexican economy. As part of a re-emergence of culture and the arts, Puebla is evolving a nascent contemporary dance scene from the efforts of two or three universities in the area. Well-trained students, an appreciative audience base, a sense of both the value of tradition, and a desire to look into the future are all here. What Performática desires to do is support a fresh, real injection of international dance energy to help give the community exposure to the rest of the world, and vice versa.

For more information about Puebla and the surrounding area please see: http://www.mexperience.com/guide/colonial/puebla.htm

Cholula is Mexico's most ancient city since it has been continually inhabited for almost 2,500 years. It is located 111 km. or 70 miles from Mexico City and 12 km. or 7 miles from the City of Puebla. Cholula is surrounded by the highest volcanoes in Mexico: La Malinche, el Popocatépetl y el Iztacihuatl.

UDLA was founded in 1940 in Mexico City with the name of Mexico City College. In 1959 it was accepted as a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in the United States. Today the UDLA is a private university with broad national and international prestige, and has a student population of about eight thousand students in undergraduate and graduate programs. Our university is defined as a learning community that is pluralistic and inclusive, seeking both personal and professional development in all of its members.

There are some very wonderful places to visit while you are here: the Pyramid in Cholula, the centro historico and the Museo Amparo in Puebla, and the Iglesia (Church) in Tonanzintla.

Nice recent article from San Francisco paper about Cholula: http://www.insidebayarea.com/travel/ci_3340517

More info about Cholula: http://www.vivecholula.gob.mx/eng/index.php

Things to know about Cholula:

Things explode a lot. Don't be alarmed. There are fireworks factories around here and the local community likes to celebrate by setting off fireworks and making a joyous noise. It can sometimes seem like the revolution has started but it is only a revolution of joy and loudness.

While there is a strong bi-lingual population in UDLA itself and in most tourist-oriented businesses, English is not commonly spoken around here. Be prepared to have some interesting negotiations if you have no Spanish at your disposal, but don't let it stop you from coming. If you know any Spanish or have someone in your party that does, that will be a great asset.