Corazon Folklorico DC

- 4110 Kansas Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011

In a city as diverse and culturally rich as Washington, D.C., discovering a community that feels like family is a special find. Corazon Folklorico DC is just that—a dance company and a non-profit organization that embodies its name, which translates to "Folkloric Heart." This is not your typical dance studio where you pay for classes; it's a dedicated group of passionate dancers who come together to celebrate and preserve the beautiful art of Mexican folkloric dance, or ballet folklorico. The mission of this organization, founded in 2017, is to promote and showcase the cultural diversity of Mexico through dance performances and by building a strong, inclusive community of dancers. Their work has taken them from local community events to prestigious stages like the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage and various Smithsonian Museums. The artistic director, Alejandro Góngora, and his team believe in the power of dance to connect people and showcase a living, breathing piece of Mexican heritage right here in the nation’s capital. The community they have built is described by members as "one big inclusive family," where people of all levels, backgrounds, and ages can come together to learn, grow, and perform. Whether you are a "transplant looking to connect with others" or a native of the DMV area who wants to deepen your connection to Mexican culture, Corazon Folklorico DC offers a place of belonging and a unique way to participate in the arts.

While Corazon Folklorico DC is a dance company that performs in various venues, their main rehearsal and class location is a core part of their community. Their address is 4110 Kansas Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA. This location places them in the Petworth neighborhood of D.C., a vibrant and diverse community. The studio space is part of the Spanish Education and Development Center, which provides a welcoming and appropriate environment for cultural education. For those using public transportation, the studio is accessible from the Petworth Metro station (Green and Yellow lines), and the neighborhood is well-served by local bus routes. This accessibility makes it a convenient option for dancers commuting from various parts of D.C. and the greater DMV area. The organization also holds workshops and performances at other notable D.C. venues, such as the Kennedy Center and the Mexican Cultural Institute, which further enhances their accessibility and visibility within the broader arts community. While the provided information does not detail specific parking or wheelchair accessibility, the use of community centers and public venues suggests a focus on making their programs as open and welcoming as possible. The central location in a well-established D.C. neighborhood is key to their mission of creating a space where anyone can participate in the joy and art of ballet folklorico.

Corazon Folklorico DC's services are a testament to their non-profit status and their commitment to community engagement. They are not a commercial dance studio; instead, they operate as a performing arts and cultural education company that offers a variety of programs. Here is a detailed look at what they provide:

• Free Dance Classes for Adults: The most notable service they offer is free dance classes for adults of all levels. This removes a significant financial barrier and makes the art form accessible to everyone, from beginners to seasoned dancers.
• Performances at Community and Cultural Events: The company performs at a wide range of events throughout the year, including Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and various multicultural events.
• Annual Showcase: They produce an annual showcase at a local D.C. theatre, which provides a professional stage for their dancers to perform and showcase their hard work.
• Workshops and Master Classes: The company collaborates with guest instructors from Mexico and other parts of the U.S. to offer specialized workshops and master classes to the community.
• Dance Education Programs: They are dedicated to educating the public about the different regional styles of Mexican folkloric dance, from the vigorous footwork of Veracruz to the festive moves of Jalisco.
• Community Collaboration: They are an active member of the Kennedy Center's Social Impact Program and have performed at the Library of Congress and other major D.C. cultural institutions, demonstrating a commitment to collaboration within the arts community.

What makes Corazon Folklorico DC a truly remarkable and beloved organization in the D.C. area are the unique features that define its mission and impact. These highlights go beyond a simple list of offerings and speak to the heart of what the company is all about:

• Free and Accessible Classes: The core highlight is their commitment to offering free classes. This philosophy makes them stand out and ensures that anyone, regardless of financial situation, can learn and participate in this rich cultural art form.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Community: The company is known for being a "big inclusive family." They welcome "transplants" and people of all backgrounds, creating a nurturing and supportive environment where everyone feels at home.
• Good for Kids: While their free classes are for adults, the company's family-oriented, inclusive nature and cultural education focus make them a great organization for families and kids to be involved with.
• Artistic Excellence: The company is led by an artistic director with years of experience and is known for producing high-quality, professional performances at major venues, showcasing their dedication to artistic excellence.
• Preservation of Culture: Their mission is to "proudly showcase Mexico's culture," which is a powerful and important feature. They are actively working to preserve and celebrate a vibrant cultural heritage in a public forum.
• Non-Profit Status: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, their focus is on community enrichment and cultural preservation, not on commercial profit. This makes them a trusted and valuable institution within the local arts scene.
• Professional Networking: By bringing dancers and choreographers together, they have created a network for artists to collaborate and grow together professionally.

If you're interested in joining this vibrant dance family or want to inquire about a performance, getting in touch with Corazon Folklorico DC is the first step. You can contact them using the following information:

Address: 4110 Kansas Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA

Phone: (571) 732-1714

Mobile Phone: +1 571-732-1714

Additionally, given the non-profit nature of the organization, they are active online, and you can find information about upcoming events and class enrollment on their official website and social media pages. While their office is located in D.C., their phone numbers (including a 571 area code) reflect their broad reach across the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) region, making them accessible to a wider community of dancers and supporters.

For D.C. residents who are looking for more than just a dance class, Corazon Folklorico DC is a truly exceptional choice. What makes this organization worth choosing is its incredible commitment to community, culture, and inclusivity. As one reviewer eloquently stated, "This company is one big inclusive family," and this sentiment is at the very core of their appeal. The fact that they offer free classes is a remarkable testament to their mission of making dance accessible to everyone, and it removes the financial barrier that can prevent many from pursuing an artistic passion. The opportunity to learn from an artistic director who is "very patient with all levels of dancing" and has "years of Folklorico knowledge" ensures that the instruction is both high-quality and supportive. For "transplants who are looking to connect with others," this group provides a ready-made community and a powerful way to make new friends and establish roots in the city. By joining Corazon Folklorico DC, you are not just learning dance steps; you are becoming an advocate for cultural preservation, a member of a supportive family, and an active participant in the city's diverse arts scene. The joy of performing and the pride of showcasing Mexico's rich heritage are rewards that go far beyond a typical fitness class or hobby. In a city that thrives on diversity and connection, Corazon Folklorico DC is a true gem, offering a chance to enrich your life and the lives of those around you through the power of dance and community.

Corazon Folklorico DC

4110 Kansas Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA