Questions? Email: dance@prfdance.org or call: 512-251-8122.
This family-style program is for children of all ages, including
children with varying abilities who have the opportunity to enjoy
music and dance with their favorite adults (parents, grandparents, etc).
Although this class is not therapeutic in its intent,
all are welcome to enjoy this learning experience.
Importance is placed on the enjoyment and experience of family togetherness
that encourages family bonding through the joy that is Puerto Rico!
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Read this exciting story about Coqui Class, written by a Parent.
Bomba y Mas is a non-performance class for community members who just want
to learn Bomba and more! There is opportunity to move into
the performing company for those who excel and would enjoy
performance opportunities.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
This fast-paced adult company class trains our Performing Company Dancers.
It is targeted for dancers who have reached an advanced-level in Puerto Rican folkloric dances
and have a longterm interest to be part of our performing company. It takes years to train a
professional dancer! Team spirit and commitment to attend regular class and rehearsals is a program requirement.
The first hour of class teaches advanced technique, stage presence, and character of traditional dance styles
such as Bomba, Plena, Seis, Danza, and native Taino dance.
The second hour focuses on advanced choreographies for performance
at a speed and intensity geared towards dancers at a professional level.
Our classes teach, review, and polish old repertoire, and build new complex choreographies and estampas.
We also experiment with popular and fusion styles of dance that are relevant to our culture,
and incorporate acting skills to present estampas -- scenes from life through dance expression.
Closed, full-company rehearsals polish material to performance perfection.
These rehearsal merge the PRFDance Performing Company Dancers and Musicans.
There is nothing like practicing and performing live music and dance together
to learn how to work as a team! In addition to participating in inhouse and community events,
semesters culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
Those who excel have an opportunity to graduate to the rank of FULL DANCER.
Knowing how to dance all styles of Puerto Rican dance at an advanced level is only part of what it takes!
Those who graduate to the rank of FULL DANCER with our company:
Whether you start with our dance program as a child, or enter as a talented adult, we take great pride in
training those who demonstrate a passion for our nonprofit mission!
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
** Note: Cuatros must be of a suitable quality for learning. This determination will be made
by the instructor prior to registering for the class. Please contact us with your questions,
or if assistance is needed in finding a suitable cuatro for purchase.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Our Music Ensemble Choir (Intermediate/Advanced), for adults and advanced teens,
works on performance material with our Company Musicians. For all classes, lessons on
Puerto Rican food, language, history, and more are added to enhance the base
appreciation of Puerto Rican culture.
Semesters culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Advanced students interested in becoming a Performing Company Musico
may advance to Apprentice with their hard work and maturity of talent.
Apprentices learn advanced-level material and the art of delivering
quality performance in folklore. Commitment and good attendance is a program requirement.
Successful apprentices who demonstrate a proficiency for their
instrument and a passion for our nonprofit mission may be invited to join the
PRFDance Company Musicos.
Semesters for all culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
This fast-paced program works on traditional and popular music for performance.
Gifted musicians through professional-level, who demonstrate a
firm committment and a passion for the nonprofit mission of PRFDance,
may be invited to join the Performing Company Musicos.
Company Musicos are active members of the Music Ensemble Program, as well as
attend closed company rehearsals to polish material to performance perfection.
Commitment to attend ensemble meetings and company rehearsals is a program requirement.
To prepare for performances, exciting full-company rehearsals are held
that merge the Performing Company Dancers and Musicans.
There is nothing like practicing and performing live music and dance together
to learn how to work as a team.
Our Musicos perform throughout the year including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
The Celebrando Heritage project is an annual large-scale, two phase project
featuring masters of Puerto Rican folklore. Company members enjoy
advance-level music and dance training with the Maestros.
We learn oral history and traditions. The project culminates in
a joint-performance at our annual June Heritage Festival.
Sembrando Herencia's December musical is our
annual original musical that features live music, dance, and community theatre.
It gives company members an opportunity to explore and engage in a
multidisciplinary performance, and experiment with acting alongside professional
community actors, while learning about Puert Rico's unsung heroes and oral history.
Professional-level students participating in our programs enjoy the opportunity to work on
high-quality performance material, and serve as role models to aspiring
young artists.
Performance opportunities for all include informal, inhouse presentations
that serve a resource limited community.
Semesters culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical (described above) that give our
performing arts students the opportunity to share the stage with our Performing Company.
DANCE PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Coqui Dance & Family
[Photos]
Whole families are having as much fun as the kids in this mixed-age
class featuring beginner dance, rhythm, music, and games.
Children learn the rudiments of our folkloric dances as well
our traditional polyrhythmic rhythms. They learn songs in Spanish
("Canciones Infantiles"), traditional children's games ("Juegos Infantiles"),
and Taino language and Areyto (songs and dance).
Children receive a musically rich learning experience
and progress at a rate tailored to their individual abilities.
This class provides the basics to grow into our Junior Company!
Coqui Dancers / Youth Traditional Dance & Culture (Beginner thru Intermediate)
Beginner through intermediate dance classes
teach children through teens traditional dances such as Bomba,
Plena, Seis, Danza and native Taino dance to students.
We also teach popular dances that are relevant to our culture
(like Salsa and Merengue) to help students join the fun 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 teachings on culture, history, games and songs.
Cultural lessons enhance the base appreciation of Puerto Rican
traditions, and provide great research materials for school projects.
Semesters culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
Here's information TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
[Youth Photos]!
Boricua Teen Dance (Beginner/Intermediate)
Select Semesters. This high energy class helps dance students excel in
their Scholastic Dance Teams by teaching technique and dance routines
in Hip Hop, Street Dance and other contemporary styles that fuse
dance with athletic moves, using music that appeals to today's
Latino youth. Students learn challenging
choreographies for performance. Stage presence and teamwork are
an important focus of this class.
Semesters culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
Here's information TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Junior Company & Apprentice Program (Intermediate)
Our Junior Company is the training ground for our Adult Performing Company.
This program includes youth dance apprentices
who have reached an intermediate/advanced skill in
Puerto Rican traditional dance. Those who have demonstrated a
a serious committment and passion for dance, may be promoted to the
rank of Junior Company Dancer. Our Company
performs at cultural and artistic events throughout the year.
The Junior Company, and their apprentices, take weekly technique
building classes to help them mature their skill-level in
traditional dance, complex choreographies, and estampas.
Commitment to attend appropriate technique-building classes
and Junior Company rehearsals is a program requirement.
Jr Co rehearsals polish choreographies
to performance quality at a speed and intensity
geared towards youth dancers at an intermediate/advanced youth level.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Adult Traditional Dance (Beginner/Intermediate)
These beginner through intermediate dance classes for adults and advanced teens
teach traditional
dances such as Bomba, Plena, Seis, Danza, and native Taino dance.
For extra fun, we also explore fusion-dance that stretches folkloric dance beyond
tradition with popular dance styles like Jazz, Salsa, Contemporary, and
Puerto Rico in "Broadway" (theatre) style!
Class teaches basic steps, correct character, stage presence, and builds
on knowledge from previous classes towards a full-length choreography.
Joyful and challenging, this is a great class for those interested
in stage performance, or for those who just want to have fun!
Lessons on Puerto Rican food, language, history, and more
are added to enhance the base appreciation of Puerto Rican culture.
Semesters culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Bomba Dance for Beginners (Beginner/Intermediate)
Go fearlessly to the drum! Adult beginners and Teens learn paso basicos
(basic steps) for different Bomba rhythms. As learning Bomba is a "lifetime"
study, intermediate students are pushed beyond what they already know.
This class helps you discover your Bomba style
and develop your own personal solo dance in front of live drums! Bomba!
Adult and Junior Performing Company members enjoy this intensive class that
helps them set their bomba solos apart!
Bomba y Mas Traditional Dance (Community Class)
Cocobale Class - Sticks & Machete Fighting Art
Cocobale (Danza de Guerra) is a rare Afro-Puerto Rican sticks and machete
fighting art from our Bomba ancestral traditions. Created by enslaved
Afro-Ricans before the 19th century, the fighting technique is accompanied
by Bomba music and dance. Two distinct programs teach Cocobale, one for
Bomba performance and another for the non-performance enjoyment of
sparring. Contact us for more information.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Performing Company Dance (Intermediate/Advanced)
By Director's invitation.
Named by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, PRFDance is the cultural Ambassador
for Puerto Rico in Texas and the Southwest. We are proud to share our rich traditions
with the community, and hand down our cultural heritage to the next generation!
Our Company produces and performs at cultural and artistic events throughout the year.
Company Dancer Apprentice Program
Audition by Director's invitation.
PRFDance is the cultural Ambassador for Puerto Rico in Texas and the Southwest.
We produce and perform at cultural and artistic events throughout the year.
This program trains dancers
for our performing company. Adult dance students with
the following qualities may be given an invitation to
audition for this program:
Invited participants take class with our performing company dancers,
and as they excel, begin learning company repertoire.
Continued demonstration of the above qualities -- especially
commitment, good attendance, and team spirit -- is a requirement
to continue in the program.
Apprentices who master folkloric dance technique, and demonstrate a
devoted heart, commitment, and a passion for our nonprofit mission
may be promoted to rank of PRFDance Performing Company Dancer.
Semesters culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Boricua Jazz - Teens through Adults
Group classes available upon request. What do you get when Puerto Rico meets Jazz -- BORICUA JAZZ!
This class fuses Jazz Dance with unique Puerto Rican and Afro-Boricua
traditional dance style and movement.
This class starts with the basics and builds choreography to the sounds of
today's music influenced by Puerto Rico's rhythms and traditions.
Semesters culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Boricua-Robics - all ages, levels.
Group classes available upon request. You can take Aerobics all over town --
but only *WE* are Boricuaaaaaa!
Get in shape with the traditional dance moves from
Puerto Rico all the world loves! This exciting, high energy class will
increase cardio and endurance, strength and flexibility
to the explosive sounds of Puerto Rico -- Salsa, Merengue, Reggeaton, and
more. Bring a towel or work out mat, and optional, weights (2-5 pounds) to intensify
your work out. All you need for this class is enthusiasm!
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Salsa for Weddings & Puerto Rican Culture
Custom workshops for wedding couples and special groups.
Learn to dance Salsa ("On1") and other latin social dances -- Puerto Rican Style.
Custom classes teach basic steps, easy turn patterns, body movement and style
that is uniquely Puerto Rican. Lessons on culture and history will enhance
appreciation for your special workshop.
Interested in an entertaining or educationl talk without the dancing?
Our Founding Director is a Humanities Texas Scholar/Speaker and can deliver a custom
workshop on a wide variety of topics in Puerto Rico's traditions, culture and history
for your team building, educational program, or event.
Sample list of topics.
Custom workshops are perfect for training and education programs,
team building, stress relief, and healthy living.
Contact us for affordable pricing.
Wedding, Quinceanera & Pageant Choreography
Make your day truly magical with a choreography created just for you!
Creative, custom choreography for any solo, couple, or group including Wedding,
Quinceanera, and Pageant. Let us create your dream father-daughter or
mother-son dance, wedding or surprise dance,
grand entrance and more for your court or wedding party. We can work with any
style of dance or music, or let us help you decide from our vast expertise in
Puerto Rico's elegant Salon (Danza and Vals), folkloric (Bomba, Plena, Seis),
modern social dances (Salsa, Merengue, and more). Lessons on Puerto Rican culture
and history added for those who want to learn about our proud and lively heritage.
Additional culturally specific event planning is also available upon request.
Private classes in our oversized maple-floor studio will fit your schedule and budget.
Contact us for affordable pricing.
COMMUNITY THEATRE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Community Theatre Program
Fall Semesters (starts Sept). Each Fall, PRFD Director
Tekina-eiru' Maynard creates an original bilingual musical, written in
her signature style filled with joy, adventure, and magic, that
combines live music, dance, and theater, to bring awareness of often-forgotten
elements from Puerto Rico's rich heritage. All levels are welcome. If you enjoy
(or always wanted) to act, dance, sing or play music -- one or more --
-- you will have great fun being part of our community theatre program!
Acting students meet on Wednesday evenings.
Semester culminates in the performance of an original story that brings to light
unsung heroes in Puerto Rico's history!
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
MUSIC PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Percussion - Beginner/Intermediate
Percussion classes for beginners through intermediate levels (Adults/Teens)
teach 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, large and small percussion.
Lessons on Puerto Rican food, language, history, and more
are added to enhance the base appreciation of Puerto Rican culture.
Semesters culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Percussion - Advanced/Company Class
By invitation. 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, large and small percussion
instruments for performance with our Company Music Ensemble.
Lessons on Puerto Rican food, language, history, and
more are added to enhance the base appreciation of Puerto Rican culture.
Semesters culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Cuatro Class
Select Semesters. Our beloved 10-string Cuatro Puertorriquen~o serves as the foundation of the island's
rural mountain music, or Musica Jibara. This 1-hour group class
focuses on basic technique, moveable major and minor chord shapes, typical
accompaniment patterns, and interpretation of traditional Aguinaldo and Seis melodies.
Prerequisites are as follows:
Choir Programs - Beginner through Advanced
Do you like singing in the shower? You will have MUCH more fun singing with us!
Choir classes for all ages and levels teach tradition songs -- Bomba, Plena and
more! Our beginner class for all ages is a joyful way to practice or learn Spanish --
great for the whole family! Learn to play the recorder (wind instrument) for added fun!
Student Music Ensemble & Apprentice Program (Intermediate)
This program teaches Puerto Rican compositions to pre-college and adult students
who have a proficiency in instrument, percussion, or voice.
Taught by professional performers, it is ideal for students
at an intermediate level (or higher) who are interested in learning
authentic orchestration of Puerto Rican music
and cultural traditions. This student program provides opportunities
to play and learn with our Performing Company Musicos.
Our nurturing environment helps students develop their musical ability,
build confidence, and work as team.
As skill permits, students may be invited to perform with the Performing Company Musicians.
Music Ensemble Program (Intermediate/Advanced)
This program is for singers, instrumentalists, and percussionists interested in learning
authentic orchestration of our traditional and popular music, as well as engage in
Puerto Rico's lively cultural traditions.
Program participants learn and play with the Performing Company Musicos. For the very
advanced, ensemble meetings offer opportunities to keep polished, improve technique and
orchestration skills, as well as work on material for community performances.
Musicians who demonstrate a firm committment and a passion for our non-profit
mission may be invited to join the Performing Company Musicos.
Semesters culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
Here's information on TUITION, DUES & DISCOUNTS.
Performing Company Musicos (Advanced/Pro Level)
Audition by Director's invitation.
Named by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, PRFDance is the cultural Ambassador
for Puerto Rico in Texas and the Southwest. We are proud to share our rich traditions
with the community, and hand down our cultural heritage to the next generation!
Our Company produces and performs at cultural and artistic events throughout the year, including annual high visibility performances with Masters of Puerto Rican folklore.
Puerto Rican Masters
By Director's Invitation. This program attracts active professional
musicians already skilled and knowledgeable in Puerto Rican music and
folklore. Musicians bestowed this prestigious title are
a living resource, contributing expert knowledge
in traditional compositions, authentic ochestration, documented and
oral music history and traditions. Their profound expertise may
inspire them to lead a program in instrument or ensemble,
or share Puerto Rican traditions at a conference, workshop or live media interview.
Puerto Rican Masters enjoy ensemble meetings with the Performing Company Musicos,
and opportunities to keep their technique and orchestration skills polished while
working on high-quality performance material.
Commitment to attend regular ensemble meetings and rehearsals is a program requirement.
Puerto Rican Masters who demonstrate a firm committent, and a passion
for our non-profit mission, may be invited to
join the PRFDance Performing Company Musicos.
Semesters culminate in high visibility performances including our
June Heritage Festival and annual December musical.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Company Performance & Training Opportunities
(Photo Album)
The Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance performing company of dancers, musicians
and juniors perform at cultural and artistic events throughout the year. In
addition to our free inhouse presentations, we perform at cultural events
in Central Texas and beyond that serve a greater community.
We also produce two annual high-visibility, mainstage productions that joyfully present
Puerto Rican culture and traditions.
Student Performance Opportunities
(Photo Album)
Learning the art of performance is an important part of the formal
education students receive through our performing arts programs.
This valuable beyond-the-classroom training gives experience and
insights that cannot be learned in a studio.
The education we offer includes weekly classes, rehearsals for extra polish,
formal dress and technical rehearsals, and the performance itself! Whether
you are excited or nervous about performing, you will be pleased to know
the structure of these weekly performing arts programs will help you learn
and polish material to a performance level.
We hold the banner high for Puerto Rico everyday!
Thank you in advance for your donation of any size!!
Dr. Ana María Tekina-eirú Maynard
Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Cultural Center Address: 701 Tillery Street #13,
Austin TX 78702-3738 (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
Facebook: www.facebook.com/prfdance
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