Martha Zarate-Alvarez, Founder and Artistic Director of Mazarte Dance Company Inc. has actively participated in Mexican folkloric dance throughout the Americas and Europe for over 35 years. In 2013, she founded Mazarte Dance Company, to fulfill her vision of creating a tangible union between dance, research, and authentic indigenous art. Through Mazarte, a Nonprofit organization, Martha aims to create awareness about Mexican cultural heritage while also preserving artistic techniques that are in danger of being forgotten and lost. Spearheading all artistic aspects of the company, such as the creation of original choreographies to classic pieces. She is also currently a choreographer, teaching artist, costume and props designer.

For the past 3 years she has presented a dance production for El Museo del Barrio’s Día de Muertos celebration.

In 2014 she created "Canciones de mi Padre" suites with the music of the Villalobos Brothers for the Frida Al Fresco exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden.
She choreographed dance pieces for music group, Jarana Beat, to accompany their musical arrangements. All dances are performed on tarimas (wooden platforms) and forms part of the music recorded as the percussion sound stream.

During her 7-year tenure as an Associate Artistic Director for a previous Dance Company, she co-developed the annual repertoire showcases in addition to 5-8 other performances each year, performed in a variety of venues around New York City. Also co-developed all dance and artistic programs for various tours in the USA. Responsible for artistic research, historical representation, choreography development and training 15-20 dancers on a tri-weekly schedule all year round.

In 2010, she developed the choreography for the dance suite “Estancia” from the Argentinian composer, Alberto Ginastera for the Brooklyn Philharmonic

In 2008 she undertook a year-long study and research about the dance and traditions of the Raramuri (Tarahumara) tribe of Northern Mexico. Follow by educational workshops free of charge at various venues throughout NYC.
Also, that year, prepared the full choreography for music by composer Arturo O’Farrill for the Day of the Dead celebration presented at Symphony Space.

In 2006 she performed as a Principal Dancer at Carnegie Hall stage.

From 1990-1995 toured through various cities in Italy, Austria and Germany performing an extensive program of dances from different regions in Mexico.

For more information, please visit:
www.mazarte.org