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 students, production gives students
a shared, real-theatre experience with our 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 to inspire a lifetime love for culture.
Community Performances & Cultural Events -
free, in-house performances and cultural events that
target families and encourage the community to dance and sing,
including Octavitas (Jan) and PRFDance's Birthday Celebration (Sept).
Professional-level and Junior 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 Classes -- three weekly classes teach Cuatro
and Ensemble for Cuatro and Guitar, including traditional music, seis, aguinaldos,
danzas, and more.
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, 3,000 world-wide
visitors/week learn about Puerto Rico's cultural traditions.