Artists

Jennifer Gerry , cofounder and co-artistic director, is a Southern California dance-maker currently based in Oakland. She studied Mathematics and New Dance at Cal Poly Pomona (BS, MS) and has an MFA in Performance and Choreography from Mills Colleg

Jennifer Gerry, cofounder and co-artistic director, is a Southern California dance-maker currently based in Oakland. She studied Mathematics and New Dance at Cal Poly Pomona (BS, MS) and has an MFA in Performance and Choreography from Mills College. Gerry's work has been shown in gallery spaces and venues in Pomona, Los Angeles and Oakland as well as various institutional settings (concerts and conferences). Her interest is in interdisciplinary projects that are both collaborative and experimental. Research and improvisation drive her practice, and in addition to her work with Mechanism, she engages with artists in various fields to share and widen experiences while exploring intersectional themes.

Manuel Macias , cofounder and co-artistic director, received a BA in Gender, Ethnic, and Multicultural studies with a minor in New Dance in 2014. Macias is currently pursuing graduate coursework in dance studies at Cal State Long Beach, and hi

Manuel Macias, cofounder and co-artistic director, received a BA in Gender, Ethnic, and Multicultural studies with a minor in New Dance in 2014. Macias is currently pursuing graduate coursework in dance studies at Cal State Long Beach, and his interests are found in work that critiques dominant paradigms from a queer/xican@/feminist perspective.

Brenda Reyes-Chavez is a Los Angeles-based visual artist, performance artist, dancer and choreographer. She studied Apparel Merchandising and Management as well as Dance Theatre at Cal Poly Pomona. She is currently a docent and visitor services re

Brenda Reyes-Chavez is a Los Angeles-based visual artist, performance artist, dancer and choreographer. She studied Apparel Merchandising and Management as well as Dance Theatre at Cal Poly Pomona. She is currently a docent and visitor services representative at the Museum of Contemporary art in Los Angeles and intends to incorporate her passion for art and dance with her work in apparel and textiles.

Gabriela Garza-Vazquez studied New Dance and Biology at Cal Poly Pomona where research became a valuable asset for both disciplines. As an undergraduate she was a member of  the Dance Department’s Performance Ensemble, and also engaged in neu

Gabriela Garza-Vazquez studied New Dance and Biology at Cal Poly Pomona where research became a valuable asset for both disciplines. As an undergraduate she was a member of  the Dance Department’s Performance Ensemble, and also engaged in neuroscience research as a McNair scholar.  While belonging to groups such as Science Council and Autism Youth Sports League, in addition to her work with Mechanism Dance Theatre, and as a choreographer, Gabriela has been provided opportunities for her unique education to be utilized as a tool for diverse forms of social justice, action and community engagement. She is now attending Naropa University for graduate studies (MFA) in Somatic Counciling.