Educational Dance Programs
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Mexican Culture, and folk Traditions showcase -- Dance Concerts with live Music recognized as the Premier performing company in Northern Virginia support aspiring young artist, and the arts by attending our concerts and other activities -- live music by professional artists support our educational activities

703-528-4142
Local performance events

LOS quetzales Mexican dance Ensemble Colorful elegance, dazzling and vibrant ENERGY "beauty in motion"

Los Quetzales Mexican Dance Ensemble, founded in Arlington, VA in 1998, by its Executive and Artistic Director, Laura Ortiz. Los Quetzales is supported in part by Arlington County, Arlington Economic Developement Cultural Affairs, and by the Arlington Commission for the Arts. Los Quetzales collaborates with local Arlington County supported groups, performing and participating in various events thorugh the year, such as International Festivals, Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations, Arlington County Schools, and Festilvals, and Schools and Parish festivals.
Los Quetzales presents two dance concerts per year accompanied by live music. These theatre programs bring our local communities together, to celebrate the festive, and colorful music and dance of Mexico. For the past 26 years, the company has gained the reputation as 'Northern Virginia's Premier Performing Company of Mexican Folklore. The company is committed to Artistic Excellence, and Quality Programs. Presenting the rich cultural traditions of Mexico with colorful authentic costumes, dance traditions and culture, in a unique display of energy, dazzle and color, in sync, showcasing the vibrant and diverse music and dance styles of Mexico's 31 states.
Among our most recent 2024 performances & collaborations are: Arlington County Gunston Theater One "Sones y Tradiciones" dance concert with live music, Museum of Contemporary Art in Arlington, Multicultural Festivals in Arlington Schools, Libraries and International Festivals, Things to do DC Day of the Dead celebration at the Mexican Cultural Institute, Kennedy Center-Millennium Stage, GALA Hispanic Theater, The Mexican Cultural Institute, the Embassy of Mexico, District Bridges Washington DC, Arlington's St. Ann's Catholic Church, Things To Do DC, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Arlington's Hispanic Heritage Month Events and Celebrations.

LOS Quetzales MEXICAN Dance Ensemble is Traditions and culture at the core

Los Quetzales presents an annual theater dance concert accompanied by live music. A dazzling display of colorful costumes, dynamic dances in sync with rhythmic footwork, and vibrant twirling skirts. Quetzales programs bring Mexico's warmth, rich culture and traditions live to the stage. Professional artists in the music of Mexico accompany these special annual dance concerts. Join us in celebration of Mexico'srich culture.

Highlights of previous theatre Performances

  • Master Dance Workshops - twice a year -- Fall and Spring
  • Classes for children 6 to 12 , and for young teens, ages 13 to 15
  • Classes for young adults (16 to 18)
  • Classes for adults (beginner, intermediate and advance performance level)
  • Music Workshops taught by masters of Mexican music - limited in person space, or ONLINE
The company presents one annual theater dance concert with live music, as well as other performance events throughout Northern Virginia. At our theatre programs we present the diverse cultural traditions of Mexico's 31 states; from the jaranas of the Yucatan Peninsula to the Polkas and Shotizes of Chihuahua, Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon, and the Huapangos of these Northern states. Theatre programs are accompanied by live music, professional artists, muscicians from the US and Mexico.

Los Quetzales Mexican Dance Ensemble has more than 26 years of artistic excellence thus, gaining the reputation as the Premiere performing company in the area

Artistic excellence is our Goal artistic quality is our standard
Become an Arlington ARTS PATRON and support Los Quetzales Mexican Dance Ensemble's Theatre Programs, or other local ad-hoc dance and music concerts, our our ongoing classes, master dance workshops and other community activities and events. CLICK HERE TO DONATE
703-528-4142

music and master dance workshopS Twice a year by master ARTISTS - Music experts from mexico and the US photo courtesy of Master Harpist Delfino guerrero -- veracruz mexico

Dance classes year round ~ Become a great Performer Call for available Class SCHEDULEs

This class does not require previous dance experience. Students will learn rhythmic footwork patterns, along with the dances of some regions, or states. Mexican folk dance techniques are implemented with similar methods to basic-elementary ballet. Mexican folkloric footwork, and dance techniques are also taught per regions. Students will learn several dances of various states, and (or) of diverse dance styles along with simple choreography.
Technical footwork: quality and precision are the focus of this class while learning various rhythmic patterns of the basic steps. Students will build their technical skills as the exercises increase in complexity. Students learn about the diverse dance styles of the various regions of Mexico. Class is of an intermediate level and as such previous dance experience is preferred, but not required. Discipline and desire to learn are the most important elements to advance to the next level. Mexican Folklore is culturally rich with an immense variety of dances and dance styles influenced by world cultures. The focus will be to gain greater technical skills, dance abilities, along with historical context of each region, along with lmemorizing dances and choreography.
beginner / Intermediate level dance class -- young adults/adults FRIDAYS 7:00 TO 8:00 PM please call for information and space availability
This class doesn't require previous dance experience, but it is a fast-paced class where consistency is the key. Thus, attending class on a regular basis is essential to learn and to improve proficiency level. Students will learn several dances, and diverse dance styles of various states. They will also learn technical footwork skills and rhythmic patterns, which will be of higher difficulty as the class masters the initial phase. Learning about the history and the cultural influences of each region is part of the class curriculum.

request information about dance classes, or request a performance for your event

Years of Dance Experience
Dance Studio is conveniently located adjacent to Arlington popular Shirlington area with great shops and restaurants. Dance Studio location is also minutes from downtown DC.