In a spacious, well-lit studio, every corner pulses with life. The dancers move with purpose, their footsteps and soft exchanges filling the room with a rhythm that feels alive. The space feels open and warm, a reflection of the positive spirit that defines Blue13 Dance Company. Every rehearsal is a blend of hard work and joy, built on a foundation of communication, collaboration, trust, and respect that these artists share.

For over 20 years, this Los Angeles-based group has pushed the boundaries of American dance. They blend traditional dance from the Indian subcontinent with modern styles, creating something bold and unique. Leading the way is Achinta S. McDaniel, founding artistic director, whose vision drives the company forward. By her side is Jon Paul, the associate director, who brings her ideas to life. He shapes and refines the dancers’ performances, ensuring everything comes together perfectly.

Photo Credits: Krystal Vasquez

Krystal Vasquez, a queer Latinx photographer, filmmaker, and an alumnus of Las Fotos Project, brings a unique perspective to their art. They graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and new media from Mount Saint Mary's University and founded Fresh Finds Media.

The studio isn’t just a place to practice; it’s a sanctuary where creativity flourishes and every dancer’s voice is heard. During rehearsals, dancers freely share ideas, offering feedback or suggesting subtle changes in a sequence. There’s a natural flow of communication as they refine their movements, knowing their contributions will be valued. You can see it in the way they encourage one another after a challenging routine, or in something uniquely collective. This environment isn’t just about perfecting a performance; it’s about nurturing a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

The Vision Behind the Dance: Achinta S. McDaniel and Jon Paul

Achinta S. McDaniel is not just the artistic director and choreographer of Blue13 Dance Company; she’s the visionary force that drives its creative engine. “My whole life has always been like a wild balancing act,” McDaniel shares, reflecting on the multitude of roles she juggles—being a mother, wife, professor, and artistic director. Despite these demands, she approaches 100 Seconds to Midnight with a deep sense of honesty. “I’m honoring the ancestors who went through things like migration and partition in India, while also rebelling against those things. It’s about showing up for everyone now and for all the people in history whose voices were erased or made to feel invisible.”

The collaborative nature of the company is evident in how she works with her team. “Jon Paul is essential,” McDaniel emphasizes. “The process is collaborative. I’ll give them a phrase or a line from a book like Midnight’s Children, and they’ll create something from it. We all work on it together creatively. Jon Paul is crucial in keeping things in line as a rehearsal director and in helping creatively. His input is essential to the work.”

The themes of 100 Seconds to Midnight are conveyed through a blend of contemporary and classical dance forms. Dancers create a mix of traditional footwork with modern movements, expressing the tension between tradition and modernity. In one scene, the dancers move in tight, synchronized patterns, symbolizing societal constraints. As the music builds, their movements become chaotic and free, representing the breaking of these chains.

Jon Paul, as the associate director and rehearsal director, ensures that McDaniel’s vision is created with precision. “Having worked with Blue13 for almost 14 years, Achinta and I have developed a shorthand that helps me understand how her mind works,” he explains. His role extends beyond choreography; he delves deep into the research of themes and engages in countless discussions with McDaniel to shape the creative process. “These conversations allow us to tackle timely issues—political, social, and cultural—that are so relevant today.”

When asked about the impact of 100 Seconds to Midnight, Jon Paul sees it as a declaration of who Blue13 is and what the company stands for. “It’s a piece that truly embodies our mission and the values we’ve upheld for years. I believe anyone who sees this performance will understand our purpose and be moved by it. The impact goes beyond this performance—it’s about setting the stage for future works that challenge, inspire, and resonate with audiences.”

The Dancers: Bringing the Vision to Life

The dancers of Blue13 are more than performers—they are storytellers, each contributing their own unique narrative to the collective.

Jose Jose Arietta Cuesta (He/Him), 25, grew up in Colombia where dance is a part of his family life. He transitioned from Colombian folkloric dances to hip-hop, ballroom, salsa, and contemporary styles. Joining Blue13 Dance Company felt like coming home for Jose Jose, drawn by the warmth and love he encountered during auditions.

Jenna Wu-Cardona (She/They), 23, has always been drawn to dance, feeling that it has a way of finding its way back to them, even during times of injury or fatigue. Formally trained since the age of 8, Jenna was eager to join Blue13 Dance Company as a mixed-brown person excited to tell non-Western stories.

Alisa Carreras (She/Her), 31, known as Allie, was introduced to dance through her mother’s work as a seamstress for a dance studio. After studying dance at University of California at Berkeley, she continued dancing with LA-based companies, ultimately finding her place with Blue13 in 2018. “Blue13 kind of found me,” Allie recalls, noting how the company’s collaborative spirit pushed her beyond her boundaries.

Payal Parida (She/Her), 23, has a background deeply rooted in South Asian culture. Starting with traditional Indian classical dance, specifically Odissi, Payal found in Blue13 a company that marries her cultural background with Eurocentric styles. McDaniel and Paul have played crucial roles in pushing her to be adaptable, helping her grow into a versatile and dynamic dancer.

Maiko Okajima (She/Her), 28, began dancing at the age of three. For her, finding a company that truly represents Asian people was a priority, which is why she chose Blue13. Working under McDaniel and Paul has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing her to address her weaknesses and grow as a dancer.

The Future of Blue13: A Declaration of Purpose

As 100 Seconds to Midnight prepares to premiere at The Ford this September, the weight of its themes—misogyny, colonization, and the precarious state of women’s rights—hangs heavy. “I hope the audience is moved and maybe even troubled by it,” Achinta says. “I want them to relate to it in a way that empowers them to think forward to the election, to voting, and to making change.”

Jon Paul echoes this sentiment, expressing his passion for creating work that is socially aware, subversive, and rebellious. “Especially with this piece premiering so close to the election, I hope it encourages people to think critically and engage in new perspectives.”

The Power of Art and Community

Blue13 is more than just a place to dance—it’s a community where every member contributes to the greater narrative. This September, as they take the stage at The Ford, they will bring to life not just a performance, but a powerful conversation about the world we live in and the changes we need to make.