According to the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs office, Texas is *THE* state with the fastest growing Puerto Rican population [PRFAA]. With the 2006 closing of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs (PRFAA) Texas office, our world-wide visibility has made us a resource for Puerto Ricans travelling or moving to Central Texas. Trained by Island Masters, we are one of the few on the Mainland with expertise to accurately teach and perform the full cross-section of Puerto Rico's traditions, Bomba, Plena, Seis, Danza, and native Taino music and dance. In collaboration since 2001 with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, our formal Affiliation in 2005 makes us the recognized, official representative of this Puerto Rican government agency dedicated to preserving Puerto Rican culture in our community.
Since 1997, PRFDance has produced financially-secure, artistically acclaimed programming, including our large, annual production, "Celebrando," with Puerto Rican folklore Masters that increase our knowledge and expertise each year. Thanks to the Island Masters, we have had stable and healthy growth since our single-program inception, and today offer over 12 ongoing programs enjoyed by 50-70 students and professional each week in traditional dance, percussion, cuatro, choir, music ensemble, performance training, history, and cultural workshops from sports to crafts. Our three-dancer company which debuted in 1998 is now a premier 20-member folklore company of dancers and musicians. The Junior Company's unique performing opportunities train the future company. In operation since 2005, our center's multi-purpose facility houses our cultural arts education programs and includes indoor and outdoor areas where ongoing, free cultural events give a resource-limited community opportunity to directly participate in music and dance traditions. Located in Central Texas, where 81% of Puerto Ricans in Texas live [US Census], our programs attract cultural tourists from nearby cities (San Antonio, Killeen), distant cities (Houston, Dallas) and out of state (Oklahoma, Florida) who come to Austin to enjoy authentic cultural arts programs at the only Puerto Rican cultural center in the Southwest. Our website, linked to ICPR as an English-language educational resource, offers carefully documented research material that serves over 3000 weekly world-wide visitors.
PRFDance is building community through a nurturing, family environment that addresses the needs of anyone who seeks a sense of cultural pride and positive role models, regardless of age, ethnicity, disability, or economic or social background. With a demographic breakdown of 80% Hispanic, 10% African-American, 8% Native American/American Indian, and 2% White, our participants include those who are economically resource-challenged and/or have ethnic backgrounds that have been historically underserved. Families are choosing to live in Austin to be near hard-to-find cultural programs that encourage family-togetherness by engaging the family in multi-generational and pride instilling performances and events. Our volunteer-run programs provide participants with opportunities to train and develop real-world skills in teaching, business, and computer-based applications, while building self-esteem, confidence, and leadership skills. Our educational programs provide youth with advanced raw-talent and natural leadership skills, the chance for further development through company apprenticeship and opportunities in student-teaching and leadership.
Music and dance is a very important part of Puerto Rican culture. We are dedicated to those who seek a world-class cultural education and a connection to a community who celebrates their identity. We are the Ambassadors of Puerto Rican culture in Central Texas. We are proud to share our rich traditions with the community, and hand down our cultural heritage to the next generation!