On a beautiful Lundi Gras afternoon, I met Catalina Reyna, researcher and Mexican folkloric dancer. She moved to the United States from Mexico City, Mexico 30 years ago, and brought her passion for dance and history with her.

We had an amazing conversation where she spoke of her love for Mayan culture and how the indigenous animal dances are used to share the history of the Mayan people.

Last year, Catalina and an amazing group of women (photographed), performed these dances in a recital honoring the Mayan summer solstice. She invited me to dance with them and the experience was educational as well healing. (Women photographed)

Speaking with her further, she explained the significance of the dance of the deer, jaguar, and the Mayan Summer solstice.

After our first recital, I grabbed portraits of all the dancers.

On a beautiful Lundi Gras afternoon, I met Catalina Reyna, researcher and Mexican folkloric dancer. She moved to the United States from Mexico City, Mexico 30 years ago, and brought her passion for dance and history with her.

We had an amazing conversation where she spoke of her love for Mayan culture and how the indigenous animal dances are used to share the history of the Mayan people.

Last year, Catalina and an amazing group of women (photographed), performed these dances in a recital honoring the Mayan summer solstice. She invited me to dance with them and the experience was educational as well healing. (Women photographed)

Speaking with her further, she explained the significance of the dance of the deer, jaguar, and the Mayan Summer solstice.

After our first recital, I grabbed portraits of all the dancers.