Embodied Knowledge and Accordion Music

Dr. Pérez will discuss conjunto as a form of embodied knowledge rooted in the lived experiences of Texas Mexicans in the mid-20th century, situated within a larger conversation around identity, cultural memory, and decolonial struggles.  His presentation will focus upon the conjunto dance style called the taquachito, or little possum, and its enduring significance.

Alejandro Wolbert Pérez is a guest upon unceded Muewekma Ohlone land, where he teaches Ethnic Studies and Xicanx/Latinx Studies at Berkeley City College, and coordinates the Faculty Diversity Internship Program for the Peralta Community College District, in Oakland, California.

A Mellon/ACLS Community College Faculty Fellow, he has received an Ivor Guest Research Grant from the Society for Dance Research, as well as a William J. Hill Visiting Researcher Travel Award from Texas State University San Marcos, in support of his ongoing study of conjunto dance, music, and performance venues.

He has published on conjunto dance in The Journal of American Culture, and is currently working on a book manuscript, “Embodiments of Aztlán: Performers, Participants, and Place in the Texas Mexican Conjunto.” Prior to pursing a doctorate, he wrote extensively upon conjunto music and other forms of Xicanx and Latinx cultural expression as a journalist for the San Antonio Current.