The contemporary dance scene in Sinaloa is celebrating a new achievement. Choreographer and educator Jhonny Millán Cázares—from the Mazatlán Professional Dance School (EPDM)—is the only artist from Sinaloa shortlisted for the qualifying stage of the 2026 Guillermo Arriaga National Dance Award. This event is the country’s premier competition for contemporary choreographic creation, organized by INBAL and the UAM.
With his work “Vertical”—entered in Category B (Consolidating Career)—Millán is among the projects remaining in the competition for one of Mexico’s most prestigious platforms for choreographic creation. This recognition bolsters the reputation of the EPDM and the Municipal Center for the Arts as venues where artistic excellence translates into results with a national impact.
The news holds special significance given that Jhonny Millán is the sole representative from Sinaloa to advance to this stage of the contest, cementing his status as one of the state’s most important voices in contemporary dance.
Reflecting the excitement that comes with such a significant career milestone, the choreographer shared that he has already received the date for his performance.
“I am indeed the only person from Sinaloa in the qualifying stage. I have to perform on August 30 at the Teatro de la Danza with the piece I am staging for the award. We’ll see if we make it to the finals at Bellas Artes,” Millán stated.
Mazatlán’s artistic community has received this news with enthusiasm and pride. Jhonny Millán’s advancement reflects the intensive training, research, and creative work carried out at the Mazatlán Professional Dance School—a national benchmark in contemporary dance education that continues to propel its faculty and graduates onto the most important stages in Mexico and around the world.
