Maestro Rafael Valpuesta has served as the Artistic Director and Choreographer of Resurrección Mexican Folk since 1998. Maestro Valpuesta’s extensive dance training has allowed him to create a stylized and theatrical interpretation of Mexican folk dance. With over 30 years of dance experience and directing, experience dancing with renowned teachers and organizations, Valpuesta is dedicated to teaching the dances of Mexico to the youth of his community.

Mr. Valpuesta began his dance career at the age of seven under the direction of Alberto Muriel. During the early years of his dance career, he learned the folk dances of México with professionalism far beyond his age. At the age of 17, Maestro Rafael began his professional dance career after he was given the opportunity to teach his fellow classmates and direct his alma mater’s Mexican folk troupe at Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles.

Mr. Valpuesta has traveled throughout the United States and Europe to promote the Mexican culture through dance. He has danced with many renowned Los Angeles-based companies including Pacifico Dance Company and Grandeza Mexicana. He has worked with dance in different dance disciplines including: José Vences of Grandeza Mexicana; Viviana Basanta-Hernández of the Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández; Davincci Burkes, former Alvin Ailey soloist; and Juana Amaya, under whom he learned the art of flamenco in Seville, Spain.

In addition to directing Resurrección Mexican Folk, Mr. Valpuesta has directed several local dance companies and currently directs Ballet Folklórico Imperio Azteca and Ballet Folklórico Mis Raíces. 

At DUF 2016

Maestro Rafael Valpuesta will be teaching the region of Aguascalientes; ages 18+ at an intermediate/advanced level.