About Us

CaliDanza was founded in March 2013 by Steven Valencia with a bold mission: to bring innovative Mexican arts programming to the Sacramento region. As an organization, we aim to promote artistic excellence in both Mexican folk and contemporary dance while ensuring accessibility for audiences and participants of all ages and backgrounds. We believe in the power of dance to create connections within communities, educate new generations of artists, and foster cultural understanding through the sharing of Mexican artistic traditions. From professional performances to educational initiatives, CaliDanza plays a vital role in enriching the cultural landscape of California.

Our Mission

Calidanza Dance Company is committed to showcasing the vibrancy of Mexican folk and contemporary dance with artistic excellence. We strive to make dance accessible to all through captivating performances, innovative choreography, and educational programs that inspire cultural appreciation and engagement.

Our Vision

Professional Dance Company

Calidanza seeks to be Sacramento’s premier Mexican folk dance company, with annual performances and national/international tours. We aim to establish a dynamic cultural center that celebrates Latino dance and fosters collaboration with arts organizations to build a thriving, diverse arts community.

CaliDanza is proud to be home to a professional dance company that offers high-quality Mexican folk and contemporary dance performances across California. The company is unique in its approach, being the only Mexican folk dance organization in the state that offers paid artist opportunities, ensuring that talented dancers are compensated for their contributions to the arts.

Our professional dance company is a staple in the regional arts scene, regularly showcasing productions that blend traditional and contemporary Mexican dance forms. These performances not only honor Mexico’s rich history of folk dance but also introduce new interpretations of cultural traditions, making them accessible and relevant to modern audiences. We take great pride in presenting innovative work that pushes the boundaries of what Mexican dance can be while still honoring the traditions that have shaped it.

Key Highlights of Professional Dance Productions:

San Francisco Symphony Commission: In 2013, CaliDanza was commissioned by the prestigious San Francisco Symphony for a Day of the Dead production at Davies Symphony Hall. This collaboration marked a major milestone in our organization's journey, bringing Mexican culture to a wider audience.
Noche de Muertos at the Crocker Art Museum: From 2015 to 2019, CaliDanza had a remarkable partnership with the Crocker Art Museum, where we presented Noche de Muertos—an annual celebration of the Day of the Dead. This event quickly became a beloved tradition for the museum and its visitors.
UC Davis Mondavi Center 2023: In 2023, we had the privilege of performing at the UC Davis Mondavi Center, one of the leading venues for the performing arts in the region, showcasing the depth and versatility of our professional dance company.
Navidades at the Gallo Center for the Arts: Our holiday-themed production, Navidades, has been featured at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, as well as at Sacramento’s Sofia Theater and Fresno's Warnor Center. These performances have provided our dancers with a platform to showcase their artistry while spreading joy and celebrating Mexican holiday traditions.

The Academy of Dance

A key pillar of CaliDanza is our Academy of Dance, which serves as a hub for nurturing the next generation of dancers, choreographers, and community leaders. The academy offers a comprehensive range of classes designed for all ages and skill levels, from children as young as four years old to adults at advanced levels. Our commitment to inclusivity is evident in our diverse programming, which caters to both recreational dancers and those pursuing a professional career in dance.

We offer a variety of dance styles, with a focus on Mexican folk dance, ballet, and contemporary dance. Students at our academy are provided with a solid foundation in the cultural significance and technical precision of Mexican folk dances, with the opportunity to explore creativity and self-expression through contemporary dance forms. This holistic approach encourages students to grow not only as dancers but as individuals with a deep appreciation for the art form.

Key Classes and Programs:

Pee-Wee Folklorico: A class designed for children ages 4 to 8, introducing them to the fundamentals of Mexican folk dance through fun and interactive lessons that promote rhythm, coordination, and teamwork.
Beginning and Intermediate Kids Classes: These classes cater to children who are ready to advance their skills in Mexican folk dance and other genres, laying the groundwork for more complex movement and choreography.
Advanced Kids and Adults Classes: These classes are for those who have mastered the basics and are ready to explore more intricate dance techniques and performance preparation.
Annual Recitals: Twice a year, the academy presents recitals that allow students to showcase their progress in front of family and friends. These recitals are a beloved tradition for families in the community and serve as a reminder of the importance of the arts in educational development.

Educational Outreach and Community Engagement

CaliDanza is deeply committed to the educational and cultural enrichment of the community. Our organization operates a robust educational program that extends beyond the walls of our academy and into schools and local communities. By offering after-school programs, artist residencies, educational assemblies, and workshops, we aim to inspire students, teachers, and

families to engage with the arts in meaningful ways.

We are proud to be an after-school program provider with several school districts, including Sacramento City Unified School District, Twin Rivers Unified School District, and, starting in the 2024-25 school year, Elk Grove Unified School District. In addition, we serve students in the Woodland Joint Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District, and various Catholic Dioceses schools. Through these partnerships, CaliDanza delivers high-quality arts education to thousands of students every year, fostering creativity, teamwork, and cultural understanding.

Our after-school programs offer children a chance to explore dance and learn about Mexican culture in a supportive and engaging environment. These programs provide students with a sense of belonging while helping to develop their self-confidence and skills. We also offer artist residencies and workshops for teachers and community leaders to deepen their understanding of Mexican folk and contemporary dance, further extending the reach and impact of our programs.

Key Educational Initiatives:

Artist Residencies: CaliDanza offers artist residencies for schools and community organizations, providing students with the opportunity to learn directly from professional artists and experience the creative process.
Educational Assemblies: Our assemblies are designed to introduce students to the rich history of Mexican dance and culture through engaging performances and interactive discussions.
Workshops and Masterclasses: We offer workshops and masterclasses for students of all levels, teaching them not only dance techniques but also the cultural significance of the movements they are learning.
Healthy Hearts Program: In partnership with the Sacramento County Office of Education and the Any Given Child program, we offer the Healthy Hearts program, which integrates dance with wellness education to promote physical and emotional well-being in children.

Partnerships and Collaborations

CaliDanza believes in the power of collaboration and the importance of building strong partnerships within the arts community. Over the years, we have established relationships with a wide range of organizations, institutions, and schools to further our mission of making Mexican arts accessible to all. These collaborations have enabled us to extend the reach of our programming, diversify our audience, and create lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Our partnerships include longstanding relationships with organizations such as the Sacramento County Office of Education, which has helped to expand our educational programs, and the Crocker Art Museum, where we worked together to produce the Noche de Muertos series. Additionally, our work with the UC Davis Mondavi Center and the Gallo Center for the Arts has opened doors for us to present our professional productions to a wider audience.

CaliDanza is not just an arts organization—it's a vibrant community hub that serves as a bridge between cultures, generations, and artistic traditions. From our professional dance company and academy to our extensive educational outreach programs, we strive to create opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to connect with Mexican dance and culture in meaningful ways. By providing access to the arts, nurturing the next generation of artists, and fostering cultural awareness, CaliDanza is shaping the future of the Mexican arts community in California and beyond.