For over five years, PRFDance has been dedicated to the preservation and authentic representation of Puerto Rican culture. Our new space houses our ongoing programs in performing arts and cultural education as well as our performing company, "Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance".
Our new facility -- a gorgeous 1,000 square foot space with a new hardwood maple floors and mirrors -- is located at 507B Pressler Street in the downtown warehouse complex housing Austin's own Tapestry Dance Company. We thank Acia Gray, Tapestry Director for her ongoing mentorship and support that has offered us a stable place to hold classes for over four years. We are now grateful for the opportunity she obtained for us to have this home of our own, and the continued support that will help make it possible.
A Dedication Ceremony in early February 2003 inaugurated our new facility. It was heatwarming to have our performing company, students and families there in a show of joy and support, as well as representatives of several Puerto Rican organizations from Houston and San Antonio.
Nick Rivera (the Puerto Rican Federal Affairs office) came to Austin to give the dedication! His speech included a message from the Governor of Puerto Rico relaying her pride and congratulations for our hard work and accomplishment in creating the first cultural center dedicated to Puerto Rican culture in Austin.
This opening of a first physical space in Austin dedicated to this unique slice of Hispanic culture brings a spotlight to Austin. We are one of the few in the country offering both ongoing performing arts and educational programs for children through adults in the full cross-section of Puerto Rican folklore and culture, and a performing company, under one roof. Offering continuous programs since 1997, we have received recognition for three consecutive years by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, as well as cultural arts funding from the Texas Commission on the Arts and City of Austin.
The Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center is a vibrant and growing institution thanks to an ever growing number of people who are helping build a legacy for our children and community. We dedicate this first home 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 these walls, find a sense of pride and a dream for the future.
