Danzantes Unidos DUF 2026 “Nurturing the Light” welcomes Yolanda Chacon Beniquez teaching Folklorico Jr. High: Chiapas, Michoacan, Veracruz; ages 12 & 13.

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, San Diego County Board of Education Conference.

For DUF 2026 . . .

Veracruz La Cumbamba Maestro Javier De León
Chiapas Lucero de la Manana Maestro Gudineo
Michoacán Toro de Once Alfredo Quintero

Students, please bring a rebozo, handkerchief and straw hat to class.

Cultura illuminates LIFE . . . nurture the light.

Danzantes Unidos Festival DUF 2026 “Nurturing the Light” will take place March 27, 28 & 29 in Fresno, CA.
Registration is OPEN at www.danzantes.org.  Early Registration ends on January 23, 2026.
Click here to register for this class:  Folklorico Jr. High: Chiapas, Michoacan, Veracruz; ages 12 & 13