Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center
The Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center (www.PRFDance.org) is the only cultural center in Texas and the Southwest affiliated with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture for ongoing cultural programming that could not otherwise be experienced in this region. Founded in 1997 by Taino blood-descendant Dr. Ana María Tekina-eirú Maynard, the mission of our nonprofit 501(c)(3) is to promote cultural awareness and pride through educational programs and cultural events based in folklore, history and traditions -- dance, music, community theatre, and indigenous cultural traditions.
Our multipurpose facility is home to Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance, our performing company of dancers, musicians, and juniors who perform throughout the year. We serve the community with 12 weekly performing arts programs, near-monthly cultural events, and opportunities to learn Taino traditions. Our programs are open to all who wish to experience the joy of our people. We welcome those whose access to cultural programming is limited by economics. Since 2001, our achievement and quality have been validated by repeat support by the National Endowment for the Arts, an NEA Chairman's Award (2007), the Texas Commission on the Arts, the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division, and Humanities Texas (since 2011).
Our Programs
our cultural center is a focal point in the Southwest for Puerto Rico's vibrant culture and traditions. With the inclusion of Taino traditions, PRFDance is the only cultural center on the Mainland with the expertise to authentically teach and present the cross-section of Puerto Rico's cultural heritage -- Bomba, Plena, Seis, Danza, and Taino music and dance. We offer ongoing programs that holistically teach Puerto Rico's cultural arts and humanities including dance (folklore and fusion), music (traditional ensemble, percussion, strings, and choir), community theatre, cultural history, and Taino heritage. Our programming includes both informal performances and mainstage productions that give students of all ages, preschool through professional adult, an opportunity to participate. Our original, bilingual plays -- featuring live music, dance and community theatre -- bring to light unsung heroes in Puerto Rican history and give beginner students to seasoned professionals a chance to develop multidisciplinary skills.
Our cultural center is a sanctuary for the rapidly growing Puerto Rican community in central Texas. Since the opening of our permanent facility in 2006, our educational offerings have expanded beyond performing arts to share well-loved, living traditions with our community including dominoe socials, holiday celebrations (Reyes Magos, Octavitas), and sports (baseball, Taino batu). We share true Taino culture through workshops based in oral teachings that share history, music, dance, craftwork, and traditions. Each year we bring the source of that knowledge, El Concilio Taino Guatu Ma-cu A Boriken, to Austin to share outside-the-classroom traditions with the Southwest Region.
Contact Information
Center Location: 701 Tillery Street, Austin TX 78702
Mailing Address: 15228 Quiet Pond Court, Austin TX 78728
Website: http://www.prfdance.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/prfdance
Email: dance@prfdance.org
Phone: (512)251-8122
Celebrating 22 Years in 2019 - Nonprofit 501C3
