Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance
& Cultural Center

Season Programs & Performances

Since 1997, Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance has produced unfailing, artistically and financially successful programming that authentically presents and correctly teaches our folklore to a new generation.

Annual Performances & Events

  • Celebrando, a celebration of traditional music and dance - annual, multiphase project includes a week-long, master-level traditional dance and music workshop by Puerto Rican Masters that educates and broadens the expertise of our performing company and teaching staff, gives our youth a workshop experience with Puerto Rican Masters, and culminates in a full-length joint performance.

  • Sembrando Herencia, planting a heritage for a new generation - Annual original, bilingual musical, written by PRFDance Director Ana Maria Tekina-eiru' Maynard, features traditional music and dance and brings to light untold stories and unsung heroes in Puerto Rican history. Showcasing more than 50 of our own dancers, musicians, and performing arts students, production passes on heritage to a new generation and gives our students a real-theatre experience through a shared performance with our professional-level performing company.

  • Esperanza de la Herencia, hope of the heritage - dedicated to inspiring Youth, live music and dance production features more than 50 of our own, preschool students through professionals. Children are the hope of the future. We hope they develop a lifetime love for our culture and continue to celebrate and transmit our joyful heritage to future generations.

  • Community Performances & Cultural Events - free, in-house performances and cultural events that target families and encourage the community to dance and sing with us, including Octavitas (Jan) and PRFDance's Birthday Celebration (Sept). Professional-level and Junior Performing Companies perform at community cultural events throughout the year.

  • Cultural Workshops -- educational opportunities and cultural events beyond performing arts that teach culture, history, and traditions -- food, literature, arts, crafts, sports, and more, including our annual Taino Family Camping Trip that celebrates Taino heritage and gives our families an "outside the classroom" experience in Taino traditions.

    Educational Outreach

  • Traditional Dance & Culture, Children through Adults - six distinct ongoing classes teach folkloric dance from basics to choreography. Bilingual classes include lessons on culture, history, games and songs.
  • Coqui "Brinca y Canta" Class - young children (0-4 years) and their favorite adult learn Puerto Rican children's songs, games, rudiments of rhythm, creative movement, in a family-style mixed-age class based in cultural traditions.
  • Choir & Music (Recorders) -- weekly program teaches traditional and popular Puerto Rican songs to youth and adults, includes beginner music (recorders). It is a joyful way to practice or learn spanish!
  • Percussion Classes -- two weekly percussion classes (beginner/intermed & advanced) teach traditional rhythms and percussion instruments from Puerto Rico, including barriles, panderos, and small percussion.
  • Cuatro and Rondalla Class -- ensemble class for cuatro and guitar (intermediate levels and above), focuses on traditional styles, seis to aguinaldos to bailes de salon. Cuatro study for beginners.
  • Music Ensembles -- two weekly programs (student, professional) teach traditional and popular Puerto Rican compositions and authentic orchestration.
  • Junior Performing Company -- fast-paced, advanced youth dance class trains those who who are committed and ready to mature their folkloric-dance talents. Trains our future Professional Company Dancers.
  • Professional Performing Company (Dance & Music) -- Apprentices, professionals are trained to present high-quality folklore. Company membership offered to those who master the material, demonstrate commitment, team spirit.
  • Community Development -- volunteers train and develop skills in teaching, business, computer-based business applications. Programs encourage mentorship, inspire positive direction, nurture self-esteem, and build self-confidence.
  • WebSite Resources -- since 1997, 2,000 world-wide visitors/week learn about Puerto Rico's cultural traditions.