Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective

- 12001 E 33rd Ave I, Aurora, CO 80010

The Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective (CALDAC) stands as a powerful cultural force within the greater Denver-Aurora metropolitan area, acting as a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is deeply rooted in the education, celebration, and preservation of Latinx and Afro Caribbean culture, utilizing the vibrant mediums of dance and arts to connect the Colorado community. CALDAC inspires attendees to embrace both their differences and their inherent oneness, cultivating a spirit of inclusivity and diversity that enriches the lives of all participants.

Known widely for organizing high-profile events, such as the annual CALDAC Convention (formerly the Denver Salsa Bachata Congress), the Collective brings world-class instruction, performances, and social dancing opportunities right to the heart of Colorado. These events are not merely festivals; they are meticulously crafted, professional, and diverse cultural experiences that attract international talent and foster a thriving local arts scene. The caliber of the shows and the depth of the workshops are consistently praised by attendees, making CALDAC a cornerstone of the Colorado dance community.

Beyond the spectacular performances, CALDAC is fundamentally committed to creating equitable and safe spaces. This dedication is evident in their active promotion and clear communication of consent protocols on and off the dance floor, establishing an environment of accountability that is highly valued by all community members, particularly those who seek a truly harassment-free experience. By focusing on both high-quality artistry and exceptional service, the Collective actively works to fulfill its goals of cultural preservation, effective communication of inclusive values, and developing commerce opportunities by elevating small Colorado businesses. This truly makes CALDAC a unique and essential point of interest for anyone passionate about cultural enrichment and community development in the Centennial State.

Location and Accessibility

While the organization's high-profile events often take place at large venues like the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center, the official administrative base and community hub for the Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective is centrally located in Aurora, making it easily accessible for residents across the Denver metro area.

The primary contact address for the non-profit is:

• Address: 12001 E 33rd Ave I, Aurora, CO 80010, USA

Recognizing the importance of community inclusion, the organization ensures its spaces are designed to accommodate all members of the public. Accessibility features at their locations include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance, facilitating smooth entry and exit for everyone.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring convenient and safe parking for individuals with mobility needs.

The strategic location in Aurora is a nexus for cultural arts, drawing participants from across Denver, Lakewood, Centennial, and all surrounding Colorado cities, affirming its role as a regional resource.

Services Offered

The Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective focuses on providing comprehensive artistic and cultural services, primarily delivered through large-scale events and community outreach initiatives:

• Cultural Convention/Festival: Hosting the renowned annual CALDAC Convention, a multi-day event featuring shows, social dancing, live music, and intensive training.
• Specialized Dance Workshops: Offering over a hundred hours of diverse, educational workshops in genres including Salsa, Bachata, Zouk, Kizomba, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Contemporary, Afro-Latin House, and more, led by international and national instructors.
• Professional Performances: Curating spectacular evening shows featuring world-class dance troupes and solo artists, providing a platform for top-notch talent.
• Social Dance Parties: Organizing multiple-room social dancing events that often run until sunrise, with dedicated rooms for different styles like Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba, featuring International DJs and live bands.
• Instructor Training and Development: Providing advanced training and instructor certification opportunities to help individual dancers and dance teams advance their skillsets and careers.
• Youth & Community Programs: Organizing affordable tickets and passes for family-friendly events, recitals, and various community outreach programs to ensure arts are accessible to all ages.
• Small Business Promotion: Actively developing commerce opportunities by promoting and elevating small businesses, particularly at their major events via vendor booths for dance shoes, apparel, and cultural goods.
• Educational Resources: Publishing educational content and fostering discussions around Afro-Latino foundations, history, and the contextualization of Blackness within Latinx culture.

Features / Highlights

The unique attributes of the Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective are what truly set it apart as an indispensable cultural institution in the state:

• Unwavering Commitment to Safety and Consent: A core value is the proactive promotion and discussion of consent, which creates an "accountability vibe" and a safe space, a particularly reassuring feature for queer and female dancers.
• High-Caliber International Talent: The events consistently feature a diverse and inclusive lineup of top-notch instructors, performers, and DJs from around the world, ensuring the workshops are "extremely diverse, inclusive, and educational."
• Non-Profit Status (501(c)(3)): This classification underscores the organization's dedication to its mission of cultural education and preservation over profit, with goals focused on enriching the community and supporting local commerce.
• Eclectic Dance Diversity: While founded on Salsa and Bachata, the curriculum and social dancing embrace a wide array of Afro-Latin, Afro-Caribbean, and other global genres, including Zouk, Kizomba, Bollywood, and Samba, offering unmatched variety for all dance enthusiasts.
• Deep Community Connection: The organization's roots in the Colorado dance community are strong, fostering a welcoming energy where dancers of all levels feel comfortable, and students feel "poured into" by the passionate organizers.
• Central Colorado Access: By hosting events in centrally located venues like the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center, they provide a convenient and professional setting for local, national, and international attendees.

Contact Information

For Coloradans interested in supporting the mission, attending an event, or inquiring about partnerships with the Collective, the organization can be reached at:

• Address: 12001 E 33rd Ave I, Aurora, CO 80010, USA
• Phone: (720) 500-2031
• Mobile Phone: +1 720-500-2031

What is Worth Choosing the Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective

For residents of Colorado, choosing to support or participate in the events organized by the Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective means investing in the state’s cultural richness and a truly inclusive community. This is more than a dance organization; it is a critical non-profit dedicated to social good through the arts. The reviews from long-time participants confirm that the organizers "put their heart and soul into what they do," resulting in a consistently high-class and professional experience that is unmatched by other festivals.

The explicit focus on safety, consent, and inclusivity is perhaps the most compelling reason to choose CALDAC. This foundational commitment ensures a welcoming environment for every dancer, particularly those from marginalized groups, setting a high standard for social accountability within the local dance scene. Moreover, by attending a CALDAC event, Coloradans gain access to "the best variety and the best talent that you will get all year round," with workshops that are not only fun but deeply educational, leaving students "knowing so much more." Whether you are a seasoned performer, a dedicated social dancer, or someone simply curious about the vibrant Latinx and Afro Caribbean cultures, CALDAC provides a safe, exhilarating, and enriching experience that perfectly encapsulates the diverse spirit of Colorado arts.

Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective

12001 E 33rd Ave I, Aurora, CO 80010, USA