Mr. Vizcarra’s passion for dance began at the age of eight when he joined "Ballet Folklorico Xochiquetzal". 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...
Mayra Selene Ornelas has been teaching for over eighteen 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...
Gabriel Avila started dancing at the age of 10 and hasn’t stopped since. A Native of Mexico, Mr. Avila has been educated in many disciplines of Dance & Movement, including African, Ballet, Flamenco, Folklorico, Modern, Jazz and Movement for Musicals. Mr. Avila attended World Famous Hollywood High for the Performing Arts, and has a degree in Art History. He is a former Instructor-in-residence for Paso De Oro Dance Company. Mr. Avila...
Maria Romero was born and raised in the City of Santa Clarita, California. Her love for the performing arts began when she joined a local folklórico group, The Santa Clarita Community Center Ballet Folklórico. She later joined Grandeza Mexicana, a well-known Mexican Folklorico dance company in Los Angeles under the artistic direction of Jose Vences. Maria has performed with the company in many prestigious theaters and performing arts centers such as the Ford...
Irvind Garcia was born and raised in East Los Angeles, CA. He has been dancing Folklorico for ten years and has taught Folklorico to children for three. 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 the States, for Irvind, Folklorico became an integral part in keeping him connected to his roots; more personally, it...
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...
Danzantes Unidos is honored to offer a class with the renowned Mexican Folklorico dancer and daughter of Amalia Hernandez, Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernandez at DUF 2016. Amalia Viviana 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...
Danzantes Unidos presents its annual gathering (DUF) 2016, “El Corazón del Pueblo” on March 18, 19 & 20. Danzantes Unidos is pleased to announce the return of DUF to it’s place of origin --- Los Angeles, CA!! REGISTER TODAY AT: WWW.DANZANTES.ORG DUF 2016 is a three-day celebration of Mexican folk dance with 65 dance workshops and seminars to accommodate 1500 participants. Curriculum will include movement sessions from various states of Mexico, as well as...
Things That You Won't Want To Miss At DUF 2016: #5 It is our story, our history, that gives meaning to our art and ignites our passion to continue its practice. Folklorico Media Workshop is a new initiative by Danzantes Unidos meant to encourage participants to take full advantage of technology and various media platforms to promote their passion for dance, tell their stories and share their art. Directors of registered groups will recommend...
University Folklorico Summit To Convene Leaders in Mexican Folk Dance at UFS 2016 "Leaders Today To Create Legacies Tomorrow" on February 19-21 at San Jose State University. Registration is OPEN at: www.danzantes.org/programs/university-folklorico-summit/ The University Folklorico Summit (UFS), an initiative of Danzantes Unidos, is a three-day leadership and cultural arts conference designed for collegiate folklorico groups. UFS provides a forum for university folklorico group leaders to meet, share their best practices, and strategize for...