The Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center (PRFDance) is the only cultural
center in Texas and our four surrounding states affiliated with the Institute of
Puerto Rican Culture for our
offering of authentic cultural programming for preschool through adults, as well
as a professional-level Performing Company under one roof.
Founded by Dr. Ana María Tekina-eirú Maynard in
1997, the mission of our volunteer-run, nonprofit 501(c)(3) is to promote cultural
awareness and pride
through performances and high-quality educational programs in the folkloric performing arts (dance, music, and theatre),
and the teaching of our history and celebration of our cultural traditions.
Our cultural center is home to Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance, a premier performing
company of dancers and musicians who, with our Junior Company, performs
throughout the year. Since 2001, our achievement and quality has
been validated by repeat support by the National Endowment for the Arts, including
an NEA Chairman's Award (2007), the Texas Commission on the Arts, the City of Austin
through the Cultural Arts Division, and the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.
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 U.S. mainland with the
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 (see Director's bio),
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 offers unique performing
opportunities for children and trains our professional company of the future.
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.
Linked to the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture
as an English-language educational resource, our website offers carefully
documented research material that serves over
3000 weekly world-wide visitors, students, educators, and organizations
seeking information on Puerto Rico's cultural traditions and history.
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.
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.
The Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center is dedicated
to those who are 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, will find a sense of pride and a dream for the future.
Named by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture as the cultural Ambassador
for Puerto Rico in Texas and the Southern States,
we are proud to share our rich traditions with the community,
and hand down our cultural heritage to the next generation!
Read about our History and Future.
Print our Brochure.
For more information:
Dr. Ana María Tekina-eirú Maynard
Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center
Center Location: 701 Tillery Street #13, Austin TX 78702-3740 (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
Copyright ©1997-2012 Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance, Inc. All rights
reserved. Terms of use.