Yolanda Chacon Beniquez researched through intensive summer courses at the “Instituto de la Investigacion del Folklor y la Danza en Mexico, Artes y Ciencias” in Tijuana and received her Baile Folklorico Maestra status at “Escuela Superior de Danza Folklorica Mazochoquim” in Hermosillo, Sonora.

Maestra Yolanda has been teaching since 1983, establishing her dance company, “La Fiesta Danzantes de San Diego” currently based within the Chula Vista Park and Recreation Centers.  She has taught Folklorico curriculum courses at Palomar College, Eastlake and Olympian High Schools in Chula Vista and was selected by the Sweetwater Union High School District Board to direct the district-wide Folklorico concerts.  She has also served on the Board of the Chula Vista Mariachi Foundation and the non-profit organization, Danzantes Unidos Festival.

Her choreographer credits include “Las Ardillitas” with the late Lalo Guerrero .  “An Evening with Lalo Guerrero” at the Lyceum Theater in San Diego, the Latina segment of the Superbowl XXXII Pre-Game Show at Qualcomm Stadium and the theatrical productions “Ollin” and “Mariachi Quixote” at Southwestern College directed by William Virchis.

As founder/Instructor of “La Fiesta Danzantes de San Diego” she has maintained a roster of 100 dancers from preschool to adult levels receiving invitations to present her work at various venues including the San Diego International Cottages, Balboa Park’s “House of Mexico” for “Fiestas Patrias”, Organ Pavillion, San Diego County Fair, Sea World’s “Viva la Musica”, Spanish Village, “Latino Film Festival” San Diego, upcoming San Diego County Board of Education Conference in March.

Danzantes Unidos de California presented Maestra Yolanda with a “Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 for her dedication to Traditional Mexican  Culture..

FOLKLORICO JR. HIGH: CHIAPAS, NUEVO LEON & VERACRUZ

(Ages 12 to 13)
Maestra: Yolanda Chacon-Beniquez

Chiapas Mestiza – 1. Lucero de la Manana Research/study Hermosillo Sonora Maestro Gudillo Rebozzo (shawl ) required Nuevo León – 2. Pavido Navido Research/Study Maestro Quintero Tijuana Veracruz- La Cumbamba Research/study Maestro Javier de Leon MX City Abanico (fan) required.  See below for more detail:

*Chiapas Mestiza-Lucero de la Manana
Items Needed:  Practice skirt, dance shoes and rebozo (shawl)

Research/Study-Maestro Gudillo from the state of Chiapas;
Escuela Superior de Danza Folkloric  Mazochoquim in Hermosillo, Sonora
This dance brings to light the environment such as the morning star.  Dancers will form a star with the rebozos.

Nuevo Leon- Pavido Navido
Items Needed:  Dance shoes

Research/Study-Maestro Quintero from Tijuana;
Instituto de la Investigacion del Folklor y la Danza en Mexico, Artes y Ciencias, Tijuana.
This dance highlights linear choreography similar to country western line dance.

Veracruz – La Cumbaba
Items Needed: Practice skirt, dance shoes and abanico (fan)

Research/Study-Los Hermanos Lanuza.  Maestro  – Javier de Leon and members of his dance company from Mexico City under contract to San Diego 200 year celebration. This dance lends a visual of Spanish Paso Doble thru choreography consisting of passing of partners.

Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Danzantes Unidos!

DUF 2024 “SEGUIMOS ADELANTE” will take place on March 22, 23 & 24, 2024 in Fresno, CA.

Early Registration ends on January 19, 2024 at www.danzantes.org

REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS