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Performing Arts Classes and Programs

Despierta Boricua defiende lo tuyo!!

Our Cultural Center is closed for summer break. Classes begin Saturday, August 14.
See program information below and pre-register to save your spot for next season.
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Classes & Tuition Information

DANCE PROGRAM

MUSIC PROGRAM

PERFORMING COMPANY PROGRAMS

PUERTO RICAN STUDIES

TUITION AND REGISTRATION

CULTURAL CENTER LOCATION & STAFF



DANCE PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

Traditional dance programs, from preschool through professional adults.

Coqui's "Brinca y Canta" Class (Preschool) [See Photos]
Coqui Class, written by a Parent

Maybe we should say "Adults bring your favorite child!" We are discovering parents are having as much fun as the kids in this program targeted for young children (0-4 years) and their favorite adult (parent, grandparent, etc). This class teaches early childhood music including songs in Spanish and basic rhythm, creative movement, and traditional childhood games in a family-style, mixed-age class based in our cultural traditions. The goal of this program is to give preschoolers the opportunity to develop pre-musical and pre-dance skills and concepts through a culturally relevant curriculum. Children will learn to sing songs including traditional children's songs in Spanish ("Canciones Infantiles"), learn the rudiments of rhythm in the context of Puerto Rican folklore, and enjoy creative movement including dance (like Bomba!), and learn to play traditional children's games ("Juegos Infantiles"). This 1st program gives children a musically rich learning experience from which (starting at age 4 or 5) they can graduate into our Youth Dance, Choir Program, or both! To encourage family togetherness, note that an accompanying adult is welcomed and required for this class.

Youth Traditional Dance & Culture Programs [See Photos]!

We offer three levels of Youth Traditional Dance (Beginner through Advanced) that teach folkloric dances such as Bomba, Plena, Seis, Danza and Taino. We also teach modern social dances (like salsa and hip hop) that are relevant to our culture to help youth connect the past to the present and enjoy dancing at family celebrations. Classes start with the basics and build on previous lessons to create full-length choreographies for performance. These fun, bilingual classes include age-appropriate lessons on culture, history, games and songs. Materials handed out during cultural lessons enhance the base appreciation of Puerto Rican traditions, and provide great research materials for school projects. Semesters culminate in a Recital as part of class, held in May (spring) and December (fall).

Adult Traditional Dance & Culture (Beginner/Intermediate)

This Beginner/Intermediate level adult class teaches traditional folkloric dances such as Bomba, Plena, Seis, Danza, and Taino, as well as Salsa and other modern dances relevant to our culture. This on-going class is divided into 6-week workshops that focus on a single dance style. Each workshop teaches basic steps and correct character, each week building on knowledge from previous classes towards a full-length choreography. Lessons on Puerto Rican food, language, history, and more are added to enhance the base appreciation of Puerto Rican culture. Our classes are joyful, fun, and challenging! Semesters culminate in an *optional* Recital as part of class, held in May (spring) and December (fall).

Salsa, Puerto Rican Style & Latin Dance

Learn to dance Salsa ("On1") and other latin social dances, Puerto Rican Style. Classes teach distinct material in style and technique, including:
  • Basic Salsa ON1 includes basic men and lady's steps, turns and partner work technique.
  • Salsa step by turn breakdown with easy turn patterns.
  • Male/Female Salsa body movement, technique, foot and hand shines.
    Private classes available upon request.

    Junior Company Dance Class (Advanced Youth) - By Invitation Only

    The training ground for our future adult Professional Company Dancers, this fast-paced, advanced youth dance class is targeted for students who are ready to begin maturing their folkloric-dance character towards a skill-level expected of the Professional Company. The class teaches advanced character, technique, and dance choreographies in our traditional dance styles such as Bomba, Plena, Seis, Danza, and Taino. To grow a well-rounded company, we also experiment with modern styles of dance relevant to our culture. This on-going class is divided into 6-week workshops that focus on a single dance style. Each class builds on knowledge from previous lessons towards a complex, full-length, folk-dance choreography for performance. Stage presence and teamwork are a major focus of this class. We also teach basic acting skills to bring our dance expression to another dimension. Lessons on Puerto Rican food, language, history, and more are added to enhance the base appreciation of Puerto Rican culture. Our classes are joyful, fun, and challenging! Semesters culminate in a Performance Recital May (spring) and December (fall).

    Professional Company Dance Class - By Invitation Only

    This fast-paced adult company class is targeted for our Professional Company Dancers, who are already at an advanced level in Puerto Rican folkloric dances. The class teaches new advanced dance choreographies, advanced technique and character, and focuses on traditional dances such as Bomba, Plena, Seis, Danza, and Taino. To grow a well-rounded company, we also experiment with modern styles of dance relevant to our culture. This on-going class is divided into 6-week workshops that focus on a single dance style. Each class builds on knowledge from previous lessons towards a complex, full-length, folk-dance choreography for performance. Stage presence and teamwork are a major focus of this class. We also make use of acting skills to bring our dance expression to another dimension. Lessons on Puerto Rican food, language, history, and more are added to enhance the base appreciation of Puerto Rican culture. Our classes are joyful, fun, and challenging! Semesters culminate in a major     Performance June (spring) and December (fall).



    MUSIC PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

    Classes in Traditional Music Ensemble, Choir, Percussion and Native Instruments, beginners through professional adults.

    Cuatro, Beginner/Intermediate

    Puerto Rico's national instrument, the 10-string Cuatro Puertorriqueno is the cornerstone of our musica tipica. This beginner/ intermediate level class will teach you basic technique, as well as interpretation and execution of various traditional styles ranging from seis and aguinaldo, to plena, to bailes de salon. Any age, any experience, no experience- we invite you to become part of a rare class of musician.     Recital performance in May (spring) and December (fall) including select pieces with our PRFDance Company Musicos.

    Rondalla, Intermediate/Advanced

    Music ensemble class for cuatro and guitar, targetted for intermediate levels and above, focus on various traditional styles ranging from seis and aguinaldos to bailes de salon. Recital performance in May (spring) and December (fall) including select pieces with our PRFDance Company Musicos.

    Percussion Class, Beginner/Intermediate

    This music class for beginners (ages Youth through Adult) teaches traditional percussion rhythms from Puerto Rico, such as Bomba and Plena, as well as other afro-caribbean percussive rhythms relevant to our culture. Instruments taught include barriles, panderos, and small percussion. Lessons on Puerto Rican food, language, history, and more are added to enhance the base appreciation of Puerto Rican culture. Semester culminates in a Recital in May (spring) and December (fall).

    Choir & Music (Recorders), Beginner/Intermediate

    Youth and Adults, this music class teaches songs in traditional music styles as well as popular Puerto Rican compositions and to those at beginner/intermediate levels. This class is the training ground for future performing company singers. What a joyful way to practice or learn spanish! For added fun, students also learn to play the recorder (wind instrument). Semester works towards a Recital performance in May (spring) and December (fall), with live musical accompaniment.

    Student Music Ensemble

    This program teaches Puerto Rican compositions to those demonstrating an intermediate to advanced level of proficiency in an instrument, percussion, or voice. This ensemble is ideal for junior high, high school, or adult students who have command of their instrument and are interested in learning authentic orchestration of Puerto Rican music and cultural traditions. Semesters culminate in a Recital in May (spring) and December (fall).

    Company Percussion Class

    By invitation only. This very advanced percussion class teaches traditional percussion rhythms from Puerto Rico, such as Bomba and Plena, as well as complex compositions for barriles, panderos, small percussion, and other percussion instruments. Lessons on Puerto Rican food, language, history, and more are added to enhance the base appreciation of Puerto Rican culture. Semester culminates in a Recital in May (spring) and December (fall).

    Professional Music Ensemble

    Audition Required. This program teaches Puerto Rican compositions to those demonstrating a very advanced proficiency in instrument, percussion, or voice. It is targeted at advanced through professional musicians interested in learning authentic orchestration of Puerto Rican music and cultural traditions. For those already familiar with Puerto Rican music and culture, folklore, and traditions, this music ensemble offers opportunities to work on the highest-quality performance material, keep polished, and/or improve technique and orchestration skills. Semesters culminate in a Recital in May (spring) and December (fall). Professional-level musicians who demonstrate a devoted heart, and a passion and commitment to the non-profit mission of PRFDance, may be invited to join the PRFDance Performing Company Musicos.

    Puerto Rican Masters

    By Director's Invitation. This program attracts active, professional musicians already fully skilled and knowledgeable in the full breath of Puerto Rican music, folklore, history and cultural traditions. These members are a living resource to PRFDance in the full cross-section of Puerto Rican traditional music, including the range of compositions, traditional styles, and the history of composers and musical artists relevant to our culture. Their expertise is complete enough to teach a class in Puerto Rican music and culture, and can represent us as an "expert" in Puerto Rican music and cultural traditions at a conference, workshop or live media interview. Puerto Rican Masters participate in the Professional Music Ensemble and enjoy working on high-quality performance material, keep polished, or improve their technique and orchestration skills. Commitment to attend regular rehearsals is a program requirement. Semesters culminate in a     Recital in May (spring) and December (fall). Puerto Rican Masters who demonstrate a devoted heart, and a passion and commitment to the non-profit mission of PRFDance, may be invited to join the PRFDance Performing Company Musicos.



    PERFORMING COMPANY PROGRAMS

    Performance Training Program - Dance

    Audition by Director's invitation. The purpose of this program is to teach the very advanced student the art of professional-quality performance in folklore. Adult dance students who have reached an advanced level and have demonstrated the following qualities may be given an invitation to audition for this program: Invited participants enroll in the Company Dance Class and are given the opportunity to learn professional-level material. As schedule permits, they may also be invited to partipate in the Company Dancer's rehearsals to begin to learn company repertoire. Continued demonstration of the above qualities, including demonstrated commitment and team spirit, is a requirement to continue in the program. Commitment and excellent attendance is just as important as raw talent (frequent absence will lead to dismissal). Successful apprentices may be given an invitation to join the PRFDance Performing Company. This invitation is highly competitive and is not guaranteed through this program.

    Performance Training Program - Music

    By Director's invitation. Advance students excelling in the Student Music Ensemble Program, and in their instrument, may be invited to participate in the Performance Training Program. This highly competitive program teaches the art of professional-quality performance in folklore and provides an opportunity to learn advanced-level material. Commitment and good attendance is a program requirement. Semesters culminate in a Recital in May (spring) and December (fall). Successful apprentices who have reached an advanced or professional level may be invited to join the PRFDance Performing Company Musicos. This invitation is highly competitive and is not guaranteed through this program.

    Junior Company Dancers

    By invitation only. Youth Dance Apprentices who have reached a high-level of skill in Puerto Rican folklore, and have demonstrated a serious committment, a devoted heart, and a passion to the nonprofit mission of PRFDance, may be promoted to rank of Junior Company Dancer. Our Company performs at cultural and artistic events in Austin throughout the year. With the goal of growing future adult Professional Company Dancers, Junior Company Dancers take regular classes as well as attend special performance-rehearsals that help them mature their skill-level in folkloric dance. Junior Company Dance Class teaches complex choreographies and estampas are taught. It is a time for youth company members, apprentices, and invited advanced youth students to rehearse for upcoming performances. Here, principles and complex choreographies taught in company class are expanded upon and polished to performance quality at a speed and intensity geared towards dancers at an advanced youth level. Commitment to attend classes and youth company rehearsals is a program requirement.

    Professional Company Dancers

    By Director's formal invitation only. Adult Dance apprentices or adult professional-level dancers who have reached a high level of skill in Puerto Rican folklore, and have demonstrated a devoted heart and passion and commitment to the nonprofit mission of PRFDance, may be promoted to rank of PRFDance Professional Company Dancer. Our Company performs at cultural and artistic events in Austin throughout the year. Dancers take company classes as well as attend closed company rehearsals that polish material to performance perfection. At company dance rehearsals new complex dance choreographies and estampas are taught. It is a time for adult company members, apprentices, and invited adult students to rehearse for upcoming performances. Here, principles and complex choreographies taught in company class are expanded upon and polished to performance quality at a speed and intensity geared towards dancers at a professional level. As needed, new and established Company Dancers may attend extra review classes that teach, reviews, and polishes old repertoire. On selected nights, full-company rehearsals are held which include Company Musicos. Commitment to attend classes and company rehearsals is a program requirement.

    Professional Company Musicos

    By Director's formal invitation only. Very advanced musicians from the Professional Music Ensemble or the Puerto Rican Masters program who have demonstrated a devoted heart and a passion and commitment to the nonprofit mission of PRFDance may be invited to join the PRFDance Performing Company Musicos. Our Company performs at cultural and artistic events in Austin throughout the year. Company musicians remain active members in the Music Ensemble as well as attend closed company rehearsals that polish material to performance perfection. On selected nights, full-company rehearsals are held which include Company Dancers. Commitment to attend the Ensemble program and company rehearsals is a program requirement.

    Professional Company - Full Rehearsals

    By Director's formal invitation only. Our Company performs at cultural and artistic events in Austin throughout the year. As needed, full company rehearsals are held which are a combined rehearsal for the entire PRFDance Professional Company of Dancers and Musicans. There's nothing like practicing and performing artistic material live to inspire the best sound in music and the most joyful dance. There is nothing like practicing and performing live to really learn how to work as a team.



    PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

    Semi-Annual Recitals (Photo Album)

    Learning the art of performance is an important part of the formal education students receive through our programs. Professionals participating in our programs also enjoy the opportunity to work on high-quality performance material and present. For this reason, the fall and spring semesters culminate in a Recital. For students, this valuable out-of-classroom training gives them experience and insights that cannot be learned in a studio. It also gives our professional-level members a chance to be a role model for up and coming talent. Esperanza del Herencia in May gives students the important experience of performing in a close-up setting, as well as an opportunity to present with our professional-level performing company. Sembrando Herencia, in December, is a full-length performance that provides a mainstage experience and an opportunity a theatrical performance with our Performing Company. Good attendance during the semester is required to master the material and perform in these recitals.

    Company Performances (Photo Album)

    Our professional performing company, Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance, performs at cultural and artistic events in Austin throughout the year. We also perform in two annual full-length productions that joyfully celebrate Puerto Rican folklore and culture. Celebrando (June) is a professional-quality, main-stage production and joint-performance with Puerto Rican masters. Sembrando Herencia (December) is a full-length performance that gives our performing arts students an opportunity to share the stage with our Performing Company.

    CLASSES OUTSIDE OF AUSTIN

    We are located in Austin Texas. See our Links Page for a listing of schools and cultural centers that we know of in other cities. If you teach Puerto Rican traditional dances, music or culture, contact us and we'll add your information.



    For more information:
    Dr. Ana María Tekina-eirú Maynard
    Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center

    Center Location: 701 Tillery Street #13, Austin TX 78702-3740 (Map & Directions)
    Mailing Address: 15228 Quiet Pond Court, Austin TX 78728-4555
    Phone: +1.512.251.8122
    Email: dance@prfdance.org          Web: www.prfdance.org

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