Calidanza Folklórico Academy and After-School Programs

Calidanza Folklórico Academy and After-School Programs offers after-school folklórico dance programs where students learn Mexican folklórico, movement, and technique. The program includes folklórico dance classes in regional Mexican folklórico styles, as well as Mexican folk dance, contemporary dance, ballet, and a Pee-Wee Folklorico option. Students may also take part in cultural education connected to these dance forms and in professional folklórico dance productions and cultural performances.

• Ages: 4–18 years old

Calidanza Folklórico Academy and After-School Programs is part of Calidanza, a Sacramento-based folklórico organization dedicated to celebrating Mexican culture through after-school community programs, professional dance training, and full theatrical productions. The academy is open to beginner, intermediate, and advanced dancers and is structured to support long-term dancer growth and performance. After-school programs are taught by experienced folklórico instructors from Calidanza. Calidanza Dance Company is a professional folklórico dance company that presents full theatrical productions and cultural performances, and it is the only Mexican folk dance organization in California that offers paid artist opportunities, as stated in its about page. Annual recitals are presented twice a year for academy students.

Calidanza partners with schools and community organizations to provide after-school folklórico dance programs for youth throughout the Sacramento region. It is an after-school program provider with Sacramento City Unified School District, Twin Rivers Unified School District, Elk Grove Unified School District (starting in the 2024–25 school year), Woodland Joint Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District, and various Catholic Dioceses schools. In partnership with the Sacramento County Office of Education and the Any Given Child program, Calidanza offers the Healthy Hearts program, which integrates dance with wellness education to promote physical and emotional well-being in children. Calidanza also offers artist residencies, educational assemblies, workshops, and masterclasses, and runs the Healthy Hearts program. Calidanza is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

CaliDanza was founded in March 2013 by Steven Valencia. For booking inquiries, contact Katherine Miller at Kamstar Entertainment. Calidanza Dance Company states that it is committed to showcasing the vibrancy of Mexican folk and contemporary dance with artistic excellence and to making dance accessible to all through performances, choreography, and educational programs that focus on cultural appreciation and engagement.

Last updated June 25, 2026.