BIOGRAPHY
Liliana Torres was born and raised in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. She is a dancer, performer, instructor, and choreographer, and her artistic practice unfolds as a continuously evolving process in which dance acquires different meanings throughout her life. Through her work, she explores the connection with her identity and with human sensitivity, conceiving dance as a safe space both for herself and for society.
- Languages: Spanish (native), English and Italian (professional proficiency), German (good knowledge)
CONTACT
- lilianatorresesquivias@gmail.com
- https://www.instagram.com/lilianatorreschoreographer
DANCE EXPERIENCE
Choreographer & Dance experience
- 2026 - Projektes Activating fluxus, Cabaret Voltaire
- 2026 - Metamorphosen, Kunsthaus Zürich, Chrysalis performance
- 2025 - ZhdK Master “Breakfast” Choreographer
- 2025 - Tanzfest Aarau “Punto de Cruz” Choreographer
- 2024 - Collectiv project “Los pájaros” Choreographer
Dance experience
- 2022 - 2022 Dialogues des Carmélites Opernhaus Zürich by choreographer Lillian Stillwell
- 2022 - 2022 Renacimiento Auawirleben Theaterfestival Bern by La Tristura Company
- 2022 - 2022 Of Crystal & Smoke by choreographer Catherine Habasque
- 2021 - 2021 Gargouilles & Chimères by choreographer Catherine Habasque
- 2021 - 2021 Snow Productions Dance Film Theater Münster by choreographer Lillian Stillwell
Dance Company Background
- Gibney Company Nicole von Arx, New York City
- Yue Yin, New York City
- Norbert De La Cruz III, New York City
- Ihsan Rustem, Zürich
- Tanztheater Pina Bausch Company, Wuppertal
- William Forsythe Company, Frankfurt a.M.
- Beaver Dam Company, Geneva
- Impuls Tanz, Austria
FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS
- 2024 ZhdK Zurich University Of the Arts, Master student in choreography
- 2008-2014 Bachelor’s degree in Dance, UABC Faculty of Arts University of Baja California, Mexico
Student exchange
- 2012-2012 Faculty of sport sciences and physical education, UDC University of La Coruña, Spain
- 2007-2007 Diplom in Massage Therapy, Everest College, Ontario California USA
Certifications
- 2020-2020 PBT Progressive Ballet Technique certification
DIPLOMA PROJECT / THESIS
- Project title: Polvo de añil – “The whisper of my grandmother that was never domesticated.”
- Description: Polvo de añil is a search for the recomposition of mythology within an ephemeral temple. Through it, I seek to express, from a personal perspective, the potential that exists within us as human beings – the potential to open portals of connection through vulnerability and surrender, which often remain undiscovered due to the presence of fear. My intention is not to exoticize, nor to criticize religions or rituals, but rather to magnify and honor the essence of vulnerability, fear, protection, and the freedom of the soul. Within this mythology, I am accompanied by a medicine once given to me by my maternal grandmother, called Indigo Powder – a substance that, for me, transcended time, body, and spirit.
Dedicated to all those grandmothers, mothers, and women
who left us poetry a hidden treasure
tucked within their clothes.
“Dance, my little girl, made of memories,of doubt and misunderstood pain,
of forgotten dreams, longings, and silent prayers.
Hopes placed upon stones,
voices cried out in temples hidden within cracks
no one was ever able to open.Did you pray in silence?
You prayed for your children.
You carried, wrapped within your clothes,
a weight of meaning.
This blue powder is the voice of my grandmother,
of my mother,
of my cousin,
of my sister,
of my friend,
It is a claim to identity.
Do not age.
Do not interrupt.
Sit up straight.
Be modest.
Be polite.
Don’t smile too much.
Don’t show too much.
Speak softly.
Be small.
Smaller.
Just a little smaller –
there, where I can dominate you.
Because your fury unsettles me,
your sacred womb,
your divinity,
your claws,
your strength.
I only want to be free.
Let me surrender.
Let me lower my guard”
“Our body, fragile and decomposing, becomes a threshold rather than a limit.”
- Choreographer / Copyright: Liliana Torres Esquivias
- Additional Persons / Contributors: Cast Dancers: Marie da Silva, Berta España Romero, Manning Dong, Cosima Dudel / Vocals: Marlena Kreßin / Musician and composer: José Salgado / Sound collaboration: Matthieu Hanho Roberge / Costume Design: Liliana Torres and Ana Paola Torres Design interpretación and prototypes / Creative Process: Omar Alberto Luna / Lighting Design: Georgia Palioglianni and Liliana Torres / Set design: Liliana Torres / Mentor: Elena Morena Geber / Documentation and Video: Isabelle Simmen
Q&A WITH LILIANA TORRES
What does dance mean to you?
- For me, dance grows alongside me. At every stage of my life and in each moment, it takes on a different meaning. As a dancer, performer, instructor, and choreographer, dance reveals spaces where I can recognize parts of myself and sustain a continuous process of exploration. It connects me deeply with myself, with humanity and sensitivity. It is a safe space for my soul.
What memory will you take with you from your time at ZHdK?
- The moments I have shared with my classmates, friends, and now chosen family have been deeply meaningful. Together, we have cultivated a supportive environment – one that is rare to find. I also greatly value the projects we have developed with BA students, as well as our collaborations with other departments.
Which work or choreographer particularly inspires you, and why?
- I don’t have a specific one; however, there are many artists who inspire me, such as Jasmine Ellis, Antonin Rioche, Imre & Marne van Opstal, and Melisa Diktas.