Julia Gutierrez

Julia Gutierrez is the youngest daughter of Los Pleneros de la 21 (LP21) founder, Juan Gutiérrez and was weaned as a child on bomba and plena. In 1989, she formed part of LP21’s Children’s Workshops’ inaugural class, where she remained as a student until 1996. Today, Julia is recognized as one of NYC’s premier bomba dancers, and is LP21’s principle dancer and dance instructor. She is also a member of Alma Moyo (a powerhouse bomba ensemble) and The Legacy Women (an all-female ensemble of Afro- Puerto Rican and Afro-Dominican dancers and drummers). She has also performed with Grupo Bámbula, Elio Villafranca and The Jass Syncopaters, Papo Vazquez and The Pirates Troubadours, and several other ensembles. As LP21’s Program Director from 2008-2012, she has been pivotal in developing and enhancing their local programs and in revitalizing the group’s artistic endeavors and touring.