PRFDance has created an anchor in the Southwest U.S. for Puerto Rican culture as the only cultural center in Texas and our four surrounding states offering ongoing performance and educational programs in traditional dance, music and culture for preschool children through adults, as well as a Professional Performing Company (dancers, musicians, singers) and Junior Company under one roof. Affiliated with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture since 2005 -- the arm of the Puerto Rican government dedicated to preserving and promoting Puerto Rican culture and traditions -- we are trained by the Island masters and are one of the few cultural centers in the U.S. mainland with the expertise to accurately teach and perform the full cross-section of Puerto Rican folklore -- Bomba, Plena, Seis, Danza, and Taino music and dance. Our center's multi-purpose facility includes indoor and outdoor areas where ongoing, free cultural events give the community opportunity to participate in song and dance.
Since 1997, PRFDance has produced artistic, financially-secure, acclaimed programming, including our large, annual production, "Celebrando," with Puerto Rican folklore masters. With stable and healthy growth since our single-program inception, PRFDance offers over 12 ongoing, weekly programs in dance, music ensemble, instruments and song, percussion, choir, performance training, history, and cultural workshops from sports to crafts that are enjoyed by 50 students and professionals each week. Our professional-level performing company, which debuted with three dancers in 1998 is now on par with the top-tier folkloric companies on the island, and is over 20-members strong, dancers and musicians, who can perform a full-length production of all of Puerto Rico's traditional styles, live music and dance! In addition to our own annual formal and informal performances, our performing company, Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance, along with our Junior Company, presents at cultural events for our community throughout the year. Linked to the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture as an English-language educational resource, our website serves over 2000 weekly world-wide visitors, students, educators, and organizations seeking information on Puerto Rico's cultural traditions and history.
PRFDance builds community and encourages family-togetherness by providing opportunity to everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, disability, or economic or social background, to engage in a wide variety of cultural arts programming and multi-generational performances and events. Located in Central Texas, where 81% of Puerto Ricans in Texas live (US Census data), participants routinely come from the Austin area, nearby cities (San Antonio, Killeen), distant cities (Houston, Dallas), and even other States (Oklahoma, Florida) to enjoy authentic cultural arts programs. With a demographic breakdown of 60% Hispanic, 33% African-American, 5% Native American, and 2% White, our participants include families who are economically resource-challenged and/or have ethnic backgrounds that have been historically underserved. Our website is a unique educational resource that receives 2000 weekly world-visitors.
PRFDance provides a family environment that is nurturing, embodies the community, and addresses the needs of anyone who seeks a sense of cultural pride and positive role models. The volunteer-run programs provide participants with opportunities to develop real-world skills in teaching, business, and computer-based applications, while building self-esteem, confidence, and leadership skills. Music and dance is a very important part of Puerto Rican culture, and PRFDance has been named the Ambassadors of Puerto Rico in Central Texas. We are proud to share the joy of our rich traditions with our community, and hand down our cultural heritage to the next generation!