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 and Youth Company (dancers, musicians, singers) 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 one of the recognized, legitimate representatives of the IPRC in their respective towns in Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican communities outside the Island. Our performing company and educational staff 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 that not only house our cultural arts education programs, but also offers informal performances and cultural events that encourage the community to sing and dance along with us.
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 10 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 50-70 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 Youth Company, presents at cultural events for our community throughout the year. PRFDance's Youth Performing Company offers unique performing opportunities for children and trains our professional company of the future. Linked to the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture as an English-language educational resource, our website offers carefully documented research material that serves over 2000 weekly world-wide visitors, students, educators, and organizations seeking information on Puerto Rico's cultural traditions and history.
PRFDance's programs build community by imparting knowledge of our traditions and expanding the range of cultural arts programming available to everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, disability, or economic or social background. Located in Central Texas, where 81% of Puerto Ricans in Texas live (US Census data), 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 our culture with others. Participants include families from San Antonio, Houston, Killeen, and Dallas (2-4 hours away), who routinely travel to Austin to enjoy authentic Puerto Rican programming. Families are choosing to stay in Austin -- or move to Austin -- to be near our programs that are not easily found in other parts of the US. Our participants include families who are economically resource-challenged and/or have ethnic backgrounds that have been historically underserved by the community. 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. Our educational programs are providing youth with naturally advanced talent and leadership skills the chance for early development through opportunities in student-teaching and leadership.
Music and dance is a very important part of Puerto Rican culture. The Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center is dedicated to those who come seeking a world-class education in culture and folklore, who wish to discover and celebrate their identity, who yearn to become connected to a community, who will inspire and be inspired by role models, mentors and friends, and who, inside our walls, find a sense of pride and a dream for the future. We have been named the Ambassadors of Puerto Rican culture in Central Texas. We are very proud to share the joy of our rich traditions with the community, and hand down our cultural heritage to the next generation!
Read about our History and Future.
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