Dino Perez: Baile / Caile
February 1 – May 11, 2025
In the 1980s and 1990s, many families migrated from Mexico to Orange County, California, particularly Anaheim and Santa Ana. These cities became hubs where immigrant communities, including the artist’s family, found belonging and built new lives. As a first-generation Latinx growing up in this environment, artist Dino Perez witnessed how stories of parents’ lives in Mexico intertwined with the shared experiences of navigating a new culture and identity.
Immigrant parents made immense sacrifices to come to this country, driven by the hope of providing better opportunities for their children. For their first-generation kids, this often translated into the pressure to excel academically and pursue esteemed professions like medicine or law. Amidst these expectations, these youth were also teenagers who sought joy, connection, and release. For many, dancing became that outlet—a form of escapism where one could momentarily shed the weight of expectations and revel in the present.
“Ditch Parties” became a cornerstone of adolescence. Often held in backyards or patios during school hours, these gatherings were vibrant spaces where first-generation teens connected through dance, music, and shared stories. They bonded over their parents’ migration journeys, exchanging tales of their sacrifices and struggles. The music at these parties was eclectic, ranging from ’80s New Wave and House/Techno to Rock en Español, creating a unique cultural fusion that reflected bicultural identities.
Flyers for these parties were a form of art adorned with psychedelic cartoon characters in neon colors. Groovers, rebels, and other youth subcultures came together in these spaces, embracing peace and unity. Fashion also became a form of expression: vibrant text embroidered baseball caps and cereal box backpacks adorned with toys and pacifiers symbolized the creative and rebellious spirit the rave culture embraced. These backpacks, crafted by hand, represented a playful twist on a utilitarian object—a nod to the backpacks parents had carried during their migration journeys.
While youth danced in these unconventional spaces, their parents found joy and escapism on the dance floors of nightclubs like El Conejo Feliz in Anaheim and El Festival in Santa Ana. These venues became sanctuaries for immigrant parents who worked labor-intensive jobs, providing a space to relax, dance, and connect with others. The artist discovered that many of the youth’s parents frequented the same clubs, creating a surprising overlap between their experiences and the youth’s own. While the parents danced to cumbia, Dino and his counterparts moved to techno, yet the underlying spirit of connection and release was the same.
Movement is a thread that ties these stories together. From the physical migration of families from Mexico to Santa Ana and Anaheim to the rhythmic movement on dance floors and at ditch parties, there is a constant interplay of motion. Dancing was more than a pastime—it was a way for communities to cope, celebrate, and reclaim joy in the face of adversity.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born and raised in Santa Ana, artist Dino Perez continues living and has his studio in the city. He presented his 2018 solo exhibition, It’s Time the Tale Were Told, at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art and was included in the recent group exhibition Original Sources., curated by Juan Gomez and Maribel Nuño Navarro. From 2016 to 2018, Dino was an Artist-in-Residence at Grand Central Art Center through a partnership with non-profit Community Engagement, where he led projects like Coloring with the Community in Santa Ana’s Lacy Neighborhood and was co-founder of Crear with artist/writer Sarah Rafael Garcia.
In 2017, Dino received an Artist Grant from the City of Santa Ana. He participated in the 2018 Akumal Arts Festival in Akumal, Mexico, serving as an Artist-in-Residence at Tortuga Escondida, an experience made possible through the additional support of Community Engagement.