Miguel

Miguel Rivera is a twelve-year-old boy who loves music more than anything, but his family has banned it for generations. He is determined, resourceful, and deeply loyal to his family even as he defies them. When he crosses into the Land of the Dead, he discovers the truth about his family and what it really means to remember.

Personality for Dance

Miguel moves with the restless energy of a kid who cannot sit still when music is playing. His fingers tap, his feet shuffle, he hums and sways even when he is trying to stop. He plays air guitar when no one is looking. When he reaches the Land of the Dead, his wonder takes over, eyes wide, spinning to take in every glowing building and skeleton character. He is brave but still a kid, and fear shows in how he grabs for Hector or pulls back from danger.

The Outfit

Top

A white tank top or t-shirt with a red hoodie. Simple, modern, and instantly recognisable. For the Land of the Dead scenes, add skeleton face paint.

Bottom

Denim jeans or dark blue pants. Casual and kid-appropriate. Rolled at the ankle.

Accessories

A guitar prop is essential. Skeleton face paint in white, black, and coloured details for the Day of the Dead. Marigold petals scattered on the costume for the crossing scene.

Shoes

Simple trainers or sneakers. He is a regular kid.

Hair

Short, dark brown or black hair. Natural and unfussy.

Special Details

The guitar should be an ever-present prop. A real or lightweight prop guitar that can be strapped on for dancing. UV-reactive skeleton face paint under black light creates a spectacular Land of the Dead effect.

Movement Tips

Music lives in his body. Even when he is not playing, he moves rhythmically. Tapping, swaying, nodding to beats only he can hear.
Un Poco Loco should build from nervous to joyful. He starts unsure and discovers he belongs on stage.
In the Land of the Dead, everything is new. Let the wonder show in wide eyes and spinning to see everything.
Remember Me at the end should be the emotional peak. Simple, still, genuine. No big movements, just pure feeling.
He is a kid. Let him move like one, running instead of walking, bouncing instead of standing, full of uncontainable energy.

Age Recommendations

Best for ages 9-14. Miguel suits naturally musical, energetic dancers who can convey genuine emotion. The role needs someone who can play both excitement and vulnerability. A younger dancer aged 7-9 can play Miguel in the opening family scenes.