HOUSTON – Houston is full of rising talent, and Mezclada Dance Company is turning heads. Known for blending Latin dance, hip hop, and contemporary styles, this high-energy group celebrates underrepresented voices while bringing culture, movement, and storytelling to life.
The company’s founder and artistic director, Joel Aguilera, grew up in a Latin household in Houston, surrounded by music and creativity. His first musical inspiration came from listening to Latin jazz and salsa while his father painted, before diving into piano, drums, and modern dance. A chance encounter with breakdancers at Westside High School introduced him to hip hop, sparking a lifelong passion and shaping his path in the world of dance.
Inspired to create a space where culture, dance, and community could come together, Joel founded Mezclada Dance Company, bringing his vision to life on stage.
Joel’s journey has taken him far beyond Houston. He trained local dancer B Boy Jeffro for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where he met Snoop Dogg — an encounter that led to a commercial together. He has also performed internationally, from Albania to Mexico and across the United States, worked with artists such as Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, and continues to inspire dancers worldwide.
This weekend, the group takes the stage with their newest performance, “De Aquí!” meaning “From Here,” as part of Performing Arts Houston’s New/Now program, which provides local artists with the resources, visibility, and platform to bring fresh ideas to life. The performance highlights Latinx artistry across the United States and features Houston-based dancers in a dynamic mix of live dance and short films.
Catch Mezclada Dance Company perform live this weekend, Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cullen Theater in the Wortham Center. With Pick Your Price tickets starting at $0, everyone has a chance to experience this high-energy, genre-blending performance. Visit performingartshouston.org/new-now for tickets and information.