THIS IS A LIVING DOCUMENT THAT WILL BE UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE COMING DAYS LEADING UP TO THE FESTIVAL.  PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION–

Hello DUF’ers,

It has been a journey for me as President of the Danzantes Unidos Board of Directors.These past two years have been full of uncertainty and many changes for all of us.  I am very excited that we get to take a step forward in returning to many of the things we love to do with family and friends. I am certain that most of us have taken away some knowledge through these tough times. For this and many other reasons we decided to title our 2022 festival “Gracias a la Vida”. Let’s be thankful for all of the opportunities we have with family and friends and to experience events that bring us closer to our culture such as this one.

This year we will continue to bring all of our folklorico enthusiasts and fans for the return of Danzantes Unidos Festival in Person.  These are still unique times, and the efforts all of our DUF team has made this festival come together in such a short time. I want to recognize our excellent board of directors and everyone who dedicates their time to be a part of our production team and volunteer staff. The festival has grown over the years and it truly would not be possible without the dedication of everyone involved. This demonstrates the passion we all have in keeping Danzantes Unidos strong for all. 

As the showcase concert director I am ecstatic to see all of the groups hit the infamous Danzantes Unidos stage once more. I am sure you are all looking forward to participating in one of our 60+ workshops with maestros from all over the states and Mexico.

We are excited to welcome you all to the return of our festival in person and would like to thank you for your understanding and support with the new rules and regulations we have implemented to facilitate processes for everyone and to help keep everyone safe. Your understanding and support will only help us move forward to brighter and more “normal” days. I am looking forward to seeing you all this weekend, Bienvenidos!

Manny Vizcarra
President, Danzantes Unidos 

Dear Danzantes,

Thank you for joining us this year at DUF 2022 “Gracias A La Vida” on April 8, 9 & 10 in Fresno, CA.  It’s been a tumultuous journey for ALL of us navigating this unprecedented pandemic.  This year you will notice that we, like everyone else, are in the process of rebuilding. Although we are starting from scratch and poor in funds we are rich in “corazon” and our entire Production Team welcomes you back. Please find them on the list below and take the time to thank each one individually.

We ask that you please join us in the Sunnyside Amphitheater at 1pm, during the lunch hour on Saturday to commemorate the lives lost during the isolation and to give them a Danzantes Unidos farewell.  Please bring a photo of your deceased loved one and an electric candle for the ceremony and for the DUF Ofrenda.

DUF 2022 “Gracias A La Vida” is made possible with the support and caring of a great many individuals and groups.  We would like to thank the volunteer members of our host group, Compañia de Danza El Sol and their director, Jaime Morales; the student volunteers of Sunnyside HS and the support team at Sunnyside which includes, Principal, Michelle Anderson, Folklorico Instructor, Denise Valdez, Leadership Instructor, Debra Hawkins & Plant Manager Francisco Medina. As well, we would like to thank the staff at Wyndham Airport, Amber Bell in Sales; the staff at Clovis Fresno Visitors Bureau, Andrew Smith, Jaxie Orozco & Veronica Espinoza. Gratitude also to our printers: Mike Faley of PJ Printers & Monte Prieto of Screening Eagles. Special thanks to our DUF Floor Team led by Ralph Morfin.

We truly appreciate each and every one of YOU–Participants, Group Directors, Parents & Chaperones– and give “gracias a la vida” for being able to come together again.

Maria Luisa Colmenarez
Executive Director, Danzantes Unidos

DUF 2022 Class Map

DUF 2022 Production Team

Festival Directors:  Maria Luisa Colmenarez & Rudy Garcia

Festival Artist: Antonio Sarabia

Registration:  Raul Gonzalez & Laura Mendoza

Workshops: Maria Luisa Colmenarez, Andrea Hernandez & Diana Victoria Garcia

Showcase Concerts: Manny Vizcarra & Francisca Saludado

Mercado:  Amber Valdez & Andrea Hernandez

DUF Ofrenda: Maia Gonzalez & Chalome Gonzalez

Facilities: Rudy Garcia & Richard Delgado

Administration: Maria Luisa Colmenarez & Diana Garcia Colmenarez

Media: Antonio Sarabia, Edward Muñoz & Luis Xavier Garcia

Social Media: Chalome Gonzalez & Sophia Colmenarez

Sales: Rebecca Valles & Laura Mendoza

Pachanga:  Maria Cerda & Mayra Villalobos

Volunteer Coordinators: Raul Gonzalez & Denise Valdez

Photographers: Lisette Salgado & Oscar Hernandez

Occupy DUF: Amado Martinez

UFS Liaison: Athalia Magaña

DUF Angels: Antonio Gonzalez, Catalina Torres Olvera, Karina Gutierrez, Jovan Lopez Hernandez, Chris Vance & Jacob Fernandez

COVID Safety

March 12th marks the end of California’s mask requirements for students and adults in the state’s K-12 schools, which means students and staff no longer are required to wear masks at schools. Masks are now optional, but strongly recommended. This change comes after recent changes by the Fresno County Department of Public Health to end close contact and quarantine recommendations. Our Danzantes are at the heart of our mission and they are who we are here for.  At the time of this publication, COVID safe restrictions are being lifted throughout the county.  Still, for your protection and the protection of our community we will request that all participants mask in class and recommend that all guests and visitors mask in public areas within the Main Quad and in the Showcase Concerts.

Students in class:

• Be prepared to wear a mask at all times in all indoor spaces. If you forget your mask, we will have disposable masks available.
• Your mask must fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin, fit snugly against the sides of the face, and be secured with ties or ear loops. Neck gaiters, face shields, bandanas, open-chin designs, and face coverings with valves, mesh, or holes of any kind are NOT acceptable in the classroom.

FAQ’s

REGISTRATION PACKET PICK UP: Addresses, Maps and Full Schedule here Schedule of Events

FOLKLORICO JUNIORS CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: Folklorico Juniors have been divided by age and skill level for their class assignments.  Each instructor has reviewed the score sheets for the regions that the students voted on have prepared the material.  Please do not swamp our Registration Team with class change requests.  This is the year that we ask you to please let the children enjoy their time at DUF with our wonderful DUF Maestros.

OCUUPY DUF:  If your dance company support team is coming prepared to set up a canopy of respite for your dancers, please RSVP here to reserve your spot:  OccupyDUF Form  ONE application per DUFready group, please.

SOME LIKE IT HOT? Fresno will be hot this weekend. Please bring your sunscreen, parasols and plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.  Stay tuned here: Fresno Weather Forecast

SEW FOLKORICO:  If you are registered for the folklorico sewing class, please don’t forget to bring your supplies–
portable sewing machine;
15 yds of 50/50 poly/cotton fabric “broadcloth” (for blouse and skirt);
trim for blouse: 3 ribbon colors 1 inch wide–5 yds each; 3 ribbon colors 5/8 wide–10 yds each; 10 yds of 1 1/2 wide flat ribbon
20 inch zipper or one yard of velcro;
trim for practice skirt: 1 inch ribbon 12 yds,
tools for patterns: pencils, tailor chalk set of patterns; weights; measuring tape; scissors for fabric; scissors for paper; tracing wheel; stapler and staples; 18 inch clear ruler; seam ripper; markers: black, red, green and blue.

Please do not plan on borrowing supplies from other students or the Maestra this year.

Pachanga!

Join us for Pachanga at the Fresno Fairgrounds