Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance
& Cultural Center

Cultural Arts 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 full-length production of traditional dance, music and song passes on a heritage to a new generation. Lively performance debuts an original musical based in Puerto Rican history, and showcases more than 50 of our own professional dancers, musicians, and performing arts students who gain a real-theatre experience and a shared performance with our professional performing company.

  • Esperanza de la Herencia, hope of the heritage - dedicated to our 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 encourage community to dance and sing with us, including Octavitas (Jan) and PRFDance's Birthday Celebration (Sept). Professional-level and Youth Performing Companies perform at community cultural events throughout the year.

    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.
  • Youth Choir -- weekly program teaches traditional and popular Puerto Rican songs to youth of all ages. It is a joyful way to practice or learn spanish! Semester-end Recital is with live musical accompaniment.
  • 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.
  • Music Ensembles -- two weekly programs (student, professional) teach traditional and popular Puerto Rican compositions and authentic orchestration.
  • Youth Performing Company -- fast-paced, advanced dance class trains our future Professional Company Dancers, for those ready to mature their folkloric-dance talents.
  • 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.
  • Workshops in Puerto Rican Studies & Sports -- program focuses on topics beyond the performing arts, including literature, food, history, arts, crafts, sports and more.
  • WebSite Resources -- since 1997, 2,000 world-wide visitors/week learn about Puerto Rico's cultural traditions.
  • Community Development -- volunteers develop skills in teaching, business, computer-based business applications. Programs encourage mentorship, inspire positive direction, nurture self-esteem, and build self-confidence.