DUF 2022 offers 45+ Dance Workshops

Following is a complete listing of class offerings for DUF 2022.  At the time that you register, only the classes that have not been filled will pop up on your screen as ‘available’.  Classes have a limited capacity and are all filled, first-come, first-served.  

FEATURED CLASSES

AZTECA DANCE & DRUMMING (AGES 14+)
INSTRUCTOR: DAVID TEXOMAZATL VARGAS

This dynamic class will introduce students to Aztec dance, drumming, language and indigenous culture. This class is for intermediate level dancers with three years of folklorico dancing experience that are interested in learning a different type of dance discipline that will complement and enhance their current dance training.

This dance form is pre-Columbian and based on movements found within nature. Students will learn how to dance AND drum “Huilotl” La Paloma /Partners Danza, Huehuetl (Drums) and Ayacaztli-(hand rattles).

The class will begin with a short introduction of Aztec dance history, meaning and symbolism, introduction of musical instruments and use of Nauhatl (Aztec language) words and names. Students will then be led through a series of warm-up body calisthenics, followed by dance techniques including footwork, timing, and styling drills, and drumming techniques including timing, rhythm, and playing of musical percussion instruments that synchronize with dance steps.

If time allows, additional dances and drum beats will be covered based on the capacity of students to master basic class material. All students will participate in a final presentation and perform dances with accompanying drumming for the DUF Class Recital on Sunday.

FOLKLORICO 101 – BASICS FOR BEGINNERS (AGES 14+)
INSTRUCTOR: ROSEMARIE OLAIS PANTOJA

Designed to focus on simplifying Mexican folk dance movement, this workshop is perfect for teens and adults with less than one year of experience. Educators and young directors who teach adults at the beginner’s level may find this workshop beneficial.

BODA EN LA HUASTECA
INSTRUCTOR: AMALIA VIVIANA BASANTA HERNANDEZ

Danzantes Unidos is honored to welcome back Maestra Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernandez teaching another iconic dance suite from the repertoire of the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez: “Boda en La Huasteca”.

Located in northeastern México, the Huasteca region is a land surrounded by tall boulders, flat plains and an extreme climate. Just like the land, its inhabitants are subject to extreme emotions that go from tenderness and love to passion and a violent hatred.

This suite tells the story about a young male rancher or vaquero indio (indigenous cowboy) who is on his way to his wedding where he meets a charming young indigenous girl. Not able to resist the temptation of her romance, the two individuals exchange a passionate encounter. Meanwhile at the village church, the bride who awaits her future husband initiates the nuptial dance in which she is crowned with the traditional nuptial flower corsage.

“SEW MUCH FUN” FOLKLORICO SEWING CLASS (AGES 14+)
INSTRUCTOR: ALICIA MENDIBLES

Director & Designer Alicia Mendibles, Paso de Oro Dance Company; 5x winner of Best Costume Design Award leads you through Costume Design & Construction “Sew Much Fun!” Learn to make costumes from pattern to sewing! Make a practice skirt in half the time! Learn sewing short cuts that will cut your work time in half. Sew smarter not harder. You will start from making your own pattern to having a finished piece: Jalisco blouse and a basic skirt for all regions.

Please bring (checklist):
__portable sewing machine
__15 yds of 50/50 poly/cotton fabric (broadcloth) for blouse and skirt and thread to match
__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, fabric pattern 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.

Space-permitting, group directors registering more than twelve members, qualify for a ‘free pass’ to attend this class for themselves or a designated representative. It will be YOUR responsibility to contact [email protected] to obtain the pass code and register for this class before it fills up.

LATIN RHYTHMS (TEENS & ADULTS, AGES 14+)
INSTRUCTOR: ALEJANDRO REY

Come learn the skills and techniques of today’s most popular Latin dances! This course will focus on the music and dances from the island nations of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Cuba. Move to the vibrant sounds of Bachata, Merengue and Salsa, plus learn how and why these dances will complement you as a performer in other styles as well.

This fun course will be taught by Alejandro Rey, a 6-Time Bachata Champion who has traveled throughout Europe, Asia, North America and South America to share his passion for Latin dancing.

Discover Latin dances, including salsa, bachata and merengue in this fun, high-energy workshop. Participants learn the basic techniques of these dances, such as timing, partnering, footwork and styling. This workshop incorporates dance techniques that students can apply to their folklorico training, performance and social dancing.

FOLKLORICO JUNIORS

This category of students was created in response to our return out of COVID isolation.  We anticipated fewer students & smaller classes.  Classes are created on demand based on registration numbers. Students ages 12 and under may register as Folklorico Jr.’s.  Folklorico Jr. classes are created for each age group and divided by years of dance experience.

Enroll

FOLKLORICO JR. CLASSES

Folklorico Jr. classes are divided by age and years of dance experience. Instructors for Folklorico Jr. classes will prepare a dance from each of the three regions listed (plus a bonus region for classes that move along quickly). Enrollment proficiency levels are determined by the following criteria:

Beginner Level–under four continuous years in a regular program
Intermediate Level–four to eight continuous years in a regular program
Advanced Level–eight or more continuous years in a regular program

Please note that a regular program is defined as a class that meets for one hour, twice a week.

Students are polled at the time of enrollment and votes are tallied and shared with Maestros to prepare the material.

FOLKLORICO HIGH

Folklorico High was created in 2014 to address the growing population of teen and young adult participation attending the Danzantes Unidos Festival. These classes offer repertoire with two regions per class:  A ‘core’ region for in-depth survey and a ‘secondary’ region to compare and contrast.  Students in these classes will learn the differences between regions (history, geography, styling, music); and will be provided a forum for interaction and networking with peers.  Classes for advanced dancers transitioning into adulthood will have the opportunity to enroll in ‘comprehensive’ classes that will focus intensely within one state and explore its’ various regions.

EnrollFolklorico High: Grades 9 – 12

Note for parents/directors: Students must bring their student and/or government-issued ID.

Folklorico High registrants will have access to Danzantes Unidos finest faculty in the following sections:

EnrollAdult Classes

Adult classes at DUF are for students ages 18+.  Mature high school seniors will also have access to adult classes.

Students in these classes will focus on dances from one particular region, as well as proper regional style and form.

With the exception of Featured Classes, all classes will be geared toward the intermediate/advanced level dancer.

Please bring your government-issued ID.

Adult classes are open to ages 18 and over. Students in these classes will focus on dances from one particular region, as well as proper regional style and form.

With the exception of Specialty Courses, all classes will be geared toward the intermediate/advanced level dancer.