Codanza was born from a dream, in the last days of September 1992, when Maricel Godoy bet on Holguin as a stage for dance, with a unique company. Never before seen in the city, that championed dance as a unique part of it.
After 33 years, Codanza, which has crossed borders not only within the country but also around the world—with international tours to Latin America, Spain, and Germany. Defends contemporary dance with its own unique concept, bringing first-class choreographies to the stage performed by young people. Who over time, have earned the love of audiences that fill theaters and venues for each performance.
For Vianki González Miranda, the group’s choreographer, teacher, and director, this is the company’s greatest achievement. A company she has been with since its founding: knowing how to stand on its feet after three decades and sustaining a national benchmark. That has evolved toward a higher-level style and continues, despite difficulties, committed to bringing talent to the stage.
Codanza is a group with a common thread that sets it apart from other groups due to its unique way of dancing. Its specific stamp of purity and rigor with the body, expression, and every movement. This is what we celebrate: 33 years of constant and enormous work, Vianki asserts.
Although there have been challenges and difficulties, such as the migration of trained dancers over time. It has never been impossible for Codanza to return to the theaters. Starting from scratch with young graduates from vocational schools who come to improve and perfect their performance, thus creating more than dance, a school.
Starting over again is difficult, as months of work and created repertoires are lost. But the collective has managed to move forward despite this, and in 2025 alone, presented the world premieres of Kardia and feelings. Odyssey of the Mind, in collaboration with Austrian choreographer Mike Loewenrosen, the teacher explained.
They have also performed in more than 30 venues this year, especially at Romerias de Mayo and the Gibara International Festival of Poor Cinema. Also gatherings, like the Ibero-American Festival, that the company has witnessed during its long history.
Vianki revealed, exclusively to CNA, that she is working on new projects. Including the adaptation of the poem Días prohibidos (Forbidden Days) by Holguin writer Kenia Leyva, with whom they have collaborated on previous occasions. As well as the revival of Casita (Little home), a signature piece in the repertoire. Finally: Tu hombre de Dios (You Man of God), by choreographer George Céspedes.
Codanza will always be grateful, on this anniversary and in the following ones, for the trust of the Holguin public. Who have always been grateful and have never allowed a performance that wasn’t full, sold out to capacity. Thus, they foster the discipline, commitment, and love that drives them, says Vian.
Founded in September 1992 by Maricel Godoy, the contemporary dance company Codanza has distinguished itself in national culture for the quality of its staging. Moreover garnering numerous awards and collaborating with internationally renowned writers and artists.
With information from CNA
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez
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