Julia Loiza Gutiérrez-Rivera, also known as Julia Loíza, is the youngest daughter of master plenero, Juan Gutierrez (Los Pleneros de la 21). Bomba and Plena have been the epicenter of her life since childhood, raised and taught by numerous luminaries of the tradition. Performing and teaching since 2003, Julia is one of today’s most respected Bomba dancers, her unique style combines both traditional influences and urban swag, telling her story of complicated DiasporaRican identity and experiences. She has been a core member of Los Pleneros de la 21, responsible for the revitalization of the group’s programming and new sounds. In 2016 she formed Redobles de Cultura with several friends and top NuyoRican bomberos. Julia has performed and been part of numerous ensembles: including Alma Moyo, The Legacy Women, Bomplenazo Artist Collective, Elio Villafranca’s Jass Syncopaters and more. When she is not performing or teaching, Julia advocates for cultural arts representation across different platforms and stages as an arts manager and producer. As a producer, Julia has informed program curation and management for NYC’s Bomplenazo Biennial since 2012, has organized and produced numerous national and regional tours, sat on numerous grant review panels across the country and has offered production support for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

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