As performers, Las Dahlias captivate audiences with their precision, energy, and unity on stage. Behind the vibrant costumes and seamless performances is a deep commitment to practice, collaboration, and creative expression. The Denver-based group will perform a Sundays at Six concert on July 27 at Alamosa’s Cole Park.
The group consists of Mari Meza-Burgos on vocals and vihuela, Alejandra Mayorga on vocals and violin, Angie Velazco Perezon on vocals and violin, Priscilla Arasaki on violin, Maria Dolores Ramirez on violin, Alice Hansen on trumpet, and Diana Lechuga on guitarrón.
To learn more about the dedication and dynamic that fuels their artistry, we asked them to share insights into their rehearsal routines, emotional preparation, and some of the unique experiences they’ve had while performing as a group. The following is our interview, edited for length and clarity.
Alamosa Citizen: As a tight-knit ensemble, how many hours a week do you dedicate to group practice, and what routines or drills help you maintain such strong coordination?
Las Dahlias: As a group, we spend at least 10 hours a week playing together, often during long sets at a local restaurant. These gigs are where we experiment, refine our sound, and incorporate new songs into our repertoire. While we don’t always hold formal rehearsals weekly, we treat these performances as opportunities to improve. We’ve developed strategies like rotating song lists to ensure we revisit our full catalog and avoid neglecting certain pieces. When we are preparing for a bigger showcase performance, we add structured rehearsals where we focus on staging, tight transitions, and audience engagement.
AC: What was the process like learning to perform in coordination as a group, and did it take a long time to feel connected on stage?
Las Dahlias: Learning to perform in sync took time, and it continues to improve the more we play together. Over the years, playing together often helped us create our own form of non-verbal communication on stage, so now we feel more comfortable when we need to adapt or change things in the moment. That connection wasn’t immediate, but with consistency, patience, and shared goals, we’ve built a strong chemistry on stage. Our coordination is a result of both hours spent performing together and a genuine respect for each other’s musical instincts.
AC: How do you mentally and emotionally prepare before stepping on stage as a group? (Any shared rituals, warm-ups, or pep talks that get you into the right mindset?)
Las Dahlias: While we don’t have a formal pre-show ritual yet, the energy and support we give each other before going on stage is one of the things that makes our group special. Before a performance, our teamwork really shines – we check in with each other, share positive energy, and make sure everyone feels confident and ready. It’s a natural kind of pep talk rooted in the trust we’ve built. We hope to eventually create a more intentional ritual, but for now, that shared sense of camaraderie keeps us grounded and motivated.
AC: Where’s the most interesting or unexpected place you have ever performed, and how did that environment influence your creative approach?
Las Dahlias: As a mariachi group, we’ve definitely had our share of unusual and unforgettable gigs. One of the most unexpected places we’ve performed was during a Lucha Libre match. As the luchadores were wrestling and flying around us, we had to stay focused while adapting to the chaos – definitely a surreal and exciting moment. Another highlight was performing at ThesCon at the Bellco Theatre, playing for a packed house of theater students. The energy from the audience was electric, and it made for a really memorable experience.
AC: How often do you practice together, and what does a typical rehearsal look like when you’re preparing for a big performance?
Las Dahlias: Our schedule balances performance and practice. We usually rehearse formally when preparing for a major event. These rehearsals are focused on technical precision, developing our arrangements of songs, vocal practice, and stage presence. Outside of that, our regular long restaurant sets double as informal practice sessions. They give us the space to try out new material, rotate through our entire setlist, and strengthen our group dynamics in a live setting. It’s a system that works well for us as we continue to play for a wider variety of events.