A Tribute to Edelmira Massa Zapata
Edelmira Massa Zapata (1953-2024) was a dancer, choreographer, teacher, painter, sculptor, and actor. But she was best known as the beloved “Maestra” of Colombia’s Fundación Instituto Folklórico Colombiano Delia Zapata Olivella and the acclaimed dance group El Palenque de Delia. Her passion and creativity have helped to preserve and codify folkloric dance traditions while underscoring the richness of Colombia’s African, Spanish and Indigenous mixed ancestry.
The exhibit serves as a tribute to Edelmira and highlights her multifaceted talents through a selection of her writings, art, presentations, dance performances, and photographs. The images are from the troupe’s visit to Vanderbilt and the Delia Zapata Olivella and Edelmira Massa Zapata collections at Vanderbilt’s library.
