In October 2006, after several years of keeping contact via the internet, Directors of the Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center and Chicago's Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center were excited to meet in person for the first time! Representing two of the four "active" US-based centers Affiliated by the The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (ICPR) they journeyed to Old San Juan for a status meeting with ICPR Executive Director Dr. Jose Luis Vega, and other ICPR program Directors. The highlight of the trip was spending time with Ricardo Alegria, founder of the Institute of PR Culture (photo, left). Alegria founded the Institute in 1955, and today, it is the arm of the Puerto Rican government dedicated to preserving and promoting Puerto Rican culture and traditions. Also inspiring was meeting America, who founded the Ruiz Belvis center in Chicago 30 years ago (botton photo, second from right). America travelled to Puerto Rico along with the new generation of Board leadership. Celebrating it's 10th year, PRFDance hopes for a such a long and successful run, as well as someday, a dedicated new generation such as is enjoy by the Belvis Center.
The PRFDance & Cultural Center, one of the newest US-based affiliated cultural centers to the ICPR received its affiliation in October 2005. This designation brings Austin on par with Chicago and Florida where the other active cultural centers are located. Affiliated Cultural Centers are recognized as the legitimate representatives of the Intitute of Puerto Rican Culture in their respective towns in Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican communities outside the Island. They are the preferred and natural vehicle of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture to channel cultural initiatives to the community.
Our PRFDance Director, who Alegria calls the "Embajadora de Texas," enjoys visiting her "hero" Alegria every other year to provide an update on the cultural center in Austin and the mission being carried out that is serving the people of Central Texas.
Photo credits: Andre Briganti, Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, Used with Permission.