Princess Grace Award winner Omar Román de Jesús brings his boundary-pushing vision to Canada for the first time in an unforgettable and surreal program pulsing with a Puerto Rican heartbeat
Boca Tuya. Photo: Omar Z Robles
VICTORIA, B.C.— Dance Victoria presents the Canadian premiere of Boca Tuya on April 10 + 11 at the Royal Theatre in a mixed program rooted in the cultural heartbeat of Puerto Rico. Under the visionary direction of Artistic Director and choreographer Omar Román de Jesús, the New York-based movement collective has taken the dance world by storm, establishing de Jesús as an important voice in American dance.
Dance Victoria Executive Director Gillian Jones shares: “Dance Victoria is honoured to be Boca Tuya’s inaugural Canadian presenter. I can’t wait for our audiences to experience the beauty of Omar’s work. While the company has toured extensively throughout the United States and South America, this Canadian debut represents a significant milestone and aligns with Dance Victoria’s commitment to programming that pushes artistic boundaries, celebrates a diversity of voices and forms, and ignites curiosity.”
Boca Tuya embodies the essence of Puerto Rican Boricua, a spirit defined by resilience, joy, creativity, and an enduring connection to community. The company’s program in Victoria will feature three vibrant works—Los Perros del Barrio Colosal, Like Those Playground Kids at Midnight, and Caress them in a way that hurts a little—rooted in the rhythms, storytelling traditions, and cultural heritage of de Jesús’ native Puerto Rico. Carrying echoes of ancestral memory, the program invites audiences to experience cultural depth, complexity and vitality through de Jesús’s sophisticated and distinct choreographic voice.
de Jesús was recently recognized with the prestigious Princess Grace Award and received Dance Magazine’s Harkness Promise Award and a NYSCA/NYFA Fellowship. He has quickly gained acclaim for immersive dreamscapes that oscillate between reality and imagination, weaving in vibrant cadences, surrealist narratives, and unforgettable characters with striking technical beauty.
Boca Tuya has been presented at the Guggenheim’s Works & Process, the Kennedy Center, Jacob’s Pillow (2025), PRISMA Festival (Panama), Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, and 92NY (92nd Street Y), where de Jesús served as 2024/25 Artist in Residence.
Audience members are invited to attend a pre-show chat with Omar Román de Jesús at 6:45 pm in the Royal Theatre lobby, facilitated by Dr. Allana Lindgren, Dean of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria. The company will also facilitate a free community masterclass—details coming soon. Dance Victoria’s presentation of Boca Tuya is made possible with generous support from Season Sponsor Derma Spa, Lead Presentation Sponsors Turnabout Luxury Resale and Jones Emery LLP, and with public support from the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Government of BC, BC Arts Council, and the CRD Arts & Culture Support Service.
About Boca Tuya
Boca Tuya is a New York-based movement collective contributing to the redefinition of the artistic landscape under the visionary direction of Puerto Rican choreographer Omar Román de Jesús. Rooted in the rhythms, storytelling traditions, and cultural heritage of Puerto Rico, the company crafts immersive dreamscapes that blend vibrant cadence, surrealist narratives, and unforgettable characters. Honouring traditions, ancestors, and those who came before, Boca Tuya connects past and present to champion the visibility and excellence of New York’s top movement artists. Since 2018, the collective has fostered a culture of holistic growth, prioritizing well-being, economic stability, and creative fulfillment. Through performances, global touring, educational outreach, and choreographic commissions, Boca Tuya empowers artists to live fully in their artistry while cultivating authenticity, equity, and innovation with a distinct Boricua heartbeat.
Boca Tuya Friday, April 10 + Saturday, April 11, 7:30 pm Royal Theatre
How to Buy Tickets:
Phone: The Royal or McPherson Box Offices at 250-386-6121 or toll free at 1-888-717-6121 Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Royal Theatre is closed 1:00 to 1:30 pm)
Discounted Pay Your Age (ages 12 to 29) andNight Moves (ages 30 to 45) tickets are also available.
About Dance Victoria
Dance Victoria brings the World’s Best Dance to the Royal Theatre and supports the development of new dance for the international stage from our studios in Quadra Village. Dance Victoria is a non-profit charitable society with the mission to cultivate a connection to dance by presenting and supporting diverse local, national, and international artists, and inspiring all communities through the magic of dance. Our vision is that everyone in Greater Victoria can experience the transformative power of world-class dance. DanceVictoria.com
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