Manuel Vizcarra’s passion for folklorico dance began at the age of eight. Throughout the years he became interested in other dance disciplines, jazz & ballet; while continuing his study of folk dances of Mexico. As he gained more experience in dance, he became so inspired by all of the different dance forms that it led him to create his own choreographies. He then decided it was time to take on a bigger...
David Vargas, also known as Texomazatl (Blue Deer) among traditional Aztec dance circles, founded the original Tezkatlipoka Aztec Dance in 1988 in San Jose, CA. As Executive and Artistic Director, Texomazatl continues to lead the group as a ceremonial dance group among traditional circles and community-based performing arts groups. For the past 30 years, Texomazatl continues to study in the traditional schools (Calmecac) of Aztec dance and music. He has taught several new...
Mayra Selene Ornelas has been teaching for nearly twenty years. Her passion for Mexican folk dance started at a very young age when she lived in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she developed her foundations as a folklorico dancer. Selene, as all of her students know her, has been a member of folklorico groups companies Folklorico Mi Tierra & Danza Teocatl. She currently directs her own company, Grupo Folklorico No Te Rajes Jalisco, based in...
Danzantes Unidos is blessed to be working with the dynamic duo of Irvind Garcia & Melissa Somoza. Irvind Garcia was born and raised in East Los Angeles, CA. He has been dancing Folklorico for eleven years and has been teaching Folklorico to children for four years. Irvind danced under the direction of Benjamin Hernandez, whom Irvind considers a mentor and a form of inspiration for the work he does. Being first-generation in...
Danzantes Unidos is delighted to welcome back the renowned Mexican Folklorico dancer and choreographer, Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernandez to DUF 2017. Maestra Basanta Hernandez was born in Mexico City, the daughter of Mexican choreographer, Amalia Hernandez, and Argentine writer, Joaquin Basanta Crece. She began her dance training at the age of five, studying classical ballet under Nellie Happee. At age thirteen, Ms. Basanta Hernandez joined the National Ballet of Mexico under the...
Alejandro Rey, a.k.a. “The Biggest Mexican” is the 6-time Los Angeles Area Bachata Dance Champion. He is the Director of Paso De Oro Dance Company Latin Dance division. Alejandro has headlined as a performer and choreographer of the top Latin Dance Festivals throughout the United States, Europe, Russia, China, Mexico, Canada and Brazil. He has performed live in concert with Bachata recording artists such as Toby Love, Xtreme, Carlos y Alejandra, Andy Andy,...
[caption id="attachment_24118" align="alignleft" width="283"] Maestro Gabriel Avila at DUF 2015[/caption] A Native of Mexico, Maestro Gabriel Avila has been dancing since the age of ten. Mr. Avila has been educated in many disciplines of Dance & Movement, including African, Ballet, Flamenco, Folklorico, Modern, Jazz and Movement for Musicals. He attended Hollywood High for the Performing Arts, and has a degree in Art History. Mr. Avila is a former principal dancer with Pacifico Dance...
Maestra Blanca Araceli Soto is a veteran and accomplished actress, choreographer, director, producer and dancer. Her passion for the performing arts led her to study theater and dance at the University of Guadalajara, in her home-town. As a dancer, she has 40 years of experience working with international dance companies such as: Ballet Folklorico del Instituto Cultural Cabañas, Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez, Floricanto U.S.A., Los Angeles Mexican Dance Company,...
Danzantes Unidos de California announces . . . DANZANTES UNIDOS FESTIVAL DUF 2017 “ALMA INDIGENA” April 7, 8 & 9, 2017 CLOVIS EAST HIGH SCHOOL (and adjacent Reyburn Intermediate School) 2940 N Leonard Avenue in Fresno, CA [caption id="attachment_28384" align="aligncenter" width="792"] Aerial view of Clovis East High School[/caption] THE THREE DAY FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE 70 WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS FOR DANCERS (ages 5 to 85), PARENTS & GROUP ADMINISTRATORS [caption id="attachment_28385" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Los Mejicas de UCSC at DUF 2015[/caption] 800+ PERFORMERS WILL...
Congratulations on your group having been invited to represent your community! [caption id="attachment_28363" align="alignleft" width="400"] Flor de Mexico of Union City , CA[/caption] Considerations for participating in a parade . . . Most parade organizers will provide clear instructions, call times, area maps and preferred viewing areas. Be sure that you share all information, in particular with parents that will be dropping off and picking up their children. Share contact information of who the parent/chaperones...