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 is a principal dancer with Pacifico Dance Company, and also directs his own company, Pasion De Mi Tierra.

Mr. Avila has travelled and performed all over the US, and internationally. Notable performances include, residence at the Prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in D.C., LA Holiday Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, Mariachi USA at the Hollywood Bowl, and various Dia De Los Muertos Festivals at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and the Gene Autry Museum in Los Angeles, CA. He has performed extensively for various artists such as Ana Barbara, Pepe Aguilar, Eugenia Leon, Angeles Ochoa, Mariachi Sol De Me Mexico de Jose Hernandez, and the world famous Mariachi USA Festival.

Mr. Avila has trained extensively with Adriana Gainey Astorga, Karen McDonald, Charlotte Richards, Denise Leitner, Kenny Long, Nzingha Camara, and Judith Douglas. He resides in Los Angeles, where he is consistently teaching at various studios, and engaging in workshops dedicated to the preservation and awareness of Folklorico music and dance.

At DUF 2016

Maestro Gabriel will be teaching Folklorico High: Chiapas and Costa de Guerrero. This is a class for 9-12th grade students.