Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance
& Cultural Center
Mission

The Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center is one of four active cultural centers on the mainland US affiliated by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture for our offering of authentic, high-quality cultural programming. We are one of the few in the country, and the only in all of Texas and our four surrounding states, offering ongoing performance and educational programs in the full cross-section of traditional dance, music and culture for children through adults, as well as a professional-level performing company under one roof. Founded by Ana Maria Maynard in 1997, the mission of our Non-Profit 501(c)(3) is to promote cultural awareness and pride through authentic performances and high-quality educational programs in performing arts, culture, and the historical development of the Puerto Rico's customs and traditions. Our cultural center is home to Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance, our professional-level performing company of dancers and musicians who perform at cultural events throughout the year. Our achievement and quality has been validated by repeat support by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Commission on the Arts, the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, and others.

Trained by the masters on the Island, we are one of the few on the mainland US with the expertise to teach and perform the full cross-section of folklore from Puerto Rico, Bomba, Plena, Seis, and Danza. Our classes for children through adults, beginners through professional level, teach traditional dance, music, culture, and history. Our lecture series in Puerto Rican Studies offers workshops in topics beyond the performing arts. Our programs are attracting those experiencing Puerto Rican culture for the first time, as well as Puerto Ricans interested in learning more about or sharing their culture with others. Our website receives over 2000 visitors each week from around the world and is providing a valuable resource on the music and dances of our culture to students, educators, and the world-wide-web community. Our professional-level company of dancers and musicians, Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance, annually produces two full-length, mainstage productions, and performs at cultural events throughout the year for universities, television, the arts and local community, and for children with special needs.

The disciplined, family atmosphere at PRFDance is a nurturing environment that is creating a sense of community and attracting youth and adults seeking a sense of cultural pride and positive role models. Our volunteer run corporation and educational programs are providing opportunities to develop real-world skills in teaching, business, and computer-based business applications. In Puerto Rican tradition, we encourage and support "family unity" by strongly encouraging parents and loved ones to stay and watch class. Our Teen program offers activities and experiences inside and beyond dance in a family atmosphere to support teen challenges, inspire positive direction, nurture self-esteem, and build self-confidence.

Music and dance is a very important part of Puerto Rican culture and we are very proud to share it with the Central Texas and world-wide community. We have been named the Ambassadors of Puerto Rican culture in Austin. We are contributing to Central Texas' cultural diversity by sharing the joy and liveliness of the Puerto Rican people, and the color and richness of our beautiful heritage.

For more information:
Dr. Ana Maria Maynard, Director
Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center
Center Location: 701 Tillery Street, Austin TX 78702-3740
Mailing Address: 15228 Quiet Pond Court, Austin TX 78728-4555
Phone: +1.512.251.8122          Email: dance@prfdance.org          Web: www.prfdance.org