Noche de Bohemia: ¡Ay, Bendito! is a wonderful celebration of Puerto Rican culture. Curated by Gilda Rivera-Pantojas, this event is a true ode to the arts and is inspired by the beloved Puerto Rican phrase "¡Ay, bendito!" which translates to "Oh Blessed!".
Gilda Rivera-Pantojas' artistic work is a reflection of Puerto Rico's rich cultural heritage, encompassing influences from various cultures that have converged on the island over the years. This fusion has given rise to the vibrant folklore that characterizes Puerto Rico today. Since the 1970s, her artistic contributions have been showcased worldwide. Initially, she performed with Puerto Rico's premier folklore group, Gibaro de Puerto Rico, followed by the national youth ensemble Ballet Isleño. Since 1998, she has been a driving force behind Danza Fiesta: Baile y Teatro Puertorriqueño, a Bronx-based organization she co-founded. Danza Fiesta was established in 1998 with the mission of sharing Puerto Rican culture and folkloric traditions with a global audience. In 2001, it was formally incorporated as Diversity in Arts and Nations for Cultural Education, Inc. (DANCE). Gilda Rivera-Pantojas' artistic vision as the organization's artistic director has evolved from merely presenting dances to fostering an organizational culture dedicated to the study, promotion, and preservation of folkloric and traditional dances from Puerto Rico and Latin America. Through her artistic endeavors, she promotes arts inclusion and equal access to cultural enrichment. Rivera-Pantojas serves as an artistic and cultural bridge, producing activities that are open to all individuals who wish to partake in the joy of Puerto Rican culture and traditions.
