Caterpillars

Contemporary dance project under the direction and original choreography of dancer Melissa Castillo.

Caterpillars is a work inspired by recovery/detoxification processes and reminds us that art can heal, unite and give hope.
Caterpillars seeks to create an analogy of the process that larvae go through in that stage of transformation, which is the same as that experienced by people during the detoxification process.

The analogy between the transformation process of larvae and that experienced by people during detoxification is profound and significant. Both experiences imply a process of radical change, in which one goes from an initial state of vulnerability, dependence or limitation, to one of renewal, strength and freedom.

Stages of the process: Larvae and detoxification

1. Initial state: Dependence and vulnerability

○ Larvae: At the beginning, larvae are small, fragile and completely dependent on their environment to survive. Their only occupation is to feed themselves in order to gather the energy necessary for their transformation.
○ People in addiction: At the beginning of the detoxification process, the person may be in a state of physical and emotional dependence on a substance or behavior, feeling trapped and without control.

      2. Confinement and transition: Formation of the chrysalis or initial isolation

○ Larvae: The larvae enter a cocoon or chrysalis, a closed space where metamorphosis occurs. During this stage, it seems that everything is calm, but in reality there is an intense and deep internal work that is not visible from the outside.
○ People in detoxification: During the detoxification process, people often need initial isolation or a controlled environment (such as clinics, therapies or retreats) to begin their change. It is a time of introspection and internal work, where they face their emotions, fears and the impact of addiction.

     3. Internal destruction and reconstruction

○ Larvae: Inside the chrysalis, the larva's body breaks down into a liquid substance, from which a completely different new structure will be formed: the adult insect. This process involves a total reconstruction.
○ People in detoxification: At this stage, the person faces the "breaking" of old habits, patterns and neural connections associated with addiction. It is a painful process, both physically and emotionally, but essential to build a new version of themselves.

      4. Emergence: Release from the cocoon

○ Larvae: Finally, the butterfly or insect emerges from the cocoon. At first, their wings are weak and need time to dry and strengthen before flying.
○ People in detoxification: After overcoming the most intense stages of detoxification, the person begins to feel freer and renewed. However, like the butterfly, it needs time to strengthen its “wings” (new habits, skills, and confidence) before it can fully face the outside world.

       5. New Beginning: Freedom and Purpose

○ Larvae: The butterfly is no longer limited to the ground; it can now fly and play a vital role in the ecosystem, such as pollinating flowers. It is a completely different creature, with new capabilities and a renewed purpose.

○ People in detox: The transformed person is no longer limited by addiction. They can rebuild relationships, find new purpose, and live a fuller life. This new state symbolizes freedom, growth, and the possibility of positively influencing their environment.

Emotional and Psychological Parallels

● Internal Transformation: Both larvae and people in detox go through a process of change that is invisible from the outside, but fundamental to their evolution.

● Effort and sacrifice: Both experiences require effort, patience, and facing difficult moments to achieve transformation.

● Renewal: At the end of the process, both butterflies and people emerge with a new sense of identity and purpose.

Just as the larva must go through a painful and deep process to become a butterfly, people in detox need to face their internal challenges and overcome their dependency to be reborn as freer and fuller versions of themselves. Both stories teach us that change and transformation are always possible, but they require work, patience, and faith in the process.

Performing artists: Sofía Campos, Marlene Campos, Jary Torres, and Estefanía Medina. Short season: Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 23. Performances: 8:00 p.m. at Plataforma 322 (Alondra 103, Col. Los Sauces).
Tickets at: Platform 322 and via WhatsApp at: (322) 350-6861.