Los Quetzales Mexican Dance Ensemble Join a class
Young dancers in yellow and white skirts, spinning on stage

Energy, elegance, and beauty in motion.

Danza folklórica mexicana in Arlington, Virginia, since 1998. Classes for ages 3 to adult, from first steps to the stage.

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Next concert: Danzas al compás de la hojarasca, Saturday, November 14, 8 PM, at Gunston Theatre One.

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Classes for every age

Clases para todas las edades

Dance classes run year round, from beginner to advanced levels.

Six young children in colorful folkloric costumes posing in front of the GALA Hispanic Theatre backdrop

Young children, ages 3 to 8

Saturdays, 12:15 to 12:45 PM

Limited to 10 children.

This class is designed to introduce young children to the arts. Counting, rhythm, music and dance are taught as a fun, structured educational activity.

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A girl in a blue skirt and a boy in a green shirt dancing as partners

Children, ages 9 to 13

Saturdays, 1:00 to 2:00 PM

Beginner level. No previous dance experience needed.

Students learn basic rhythmic footwork and dances from different regions and states of Mexico. Basic ballet, flamenco and folk dance methods and exercises are used, along with simple choreography.

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A teenage girl in a white blouse and flowered skirt dancing a polka with a teenage boy in a cowboy hat on stage

Teens, ages 13 to 17

Saturdays, 2:00 to 3:00 PM

Intermediate and advanced levels.

For teens with some dance experience. Students build clean technical footwork and learn dances from the different regions and states of Mexico.

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A dancer in a black dress spins a rainbow skirt on stage, with charros and another dancer around her

Young adults and adults, 18 and up

Fridays, 7:15 to 8:15 PM

Beginner and intermediate class.

Fridays, 8:15 to 10:00 PM

Advanced class and company rehearsals.

The 7:15 class doesn’t require previous dance experience, but it is fast-paced: it takes coordination, focus, and the ability to exercise, walk fast and turn. Consistency is the key to not falling behind, so attending regularly is essential to improve your skills and acquire clean technical footwork.

The level of difficulty increases as the class progresses. Students learn dances of diverse styles and regions, and the world influences in each region’s music and dance. Advanced students and professional dancers are welcome to join the rehearsals, learn the repertoire and perform with the group.

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Questions about which class fits? Call 703-528-4142.

Flyer for Danzas al compás de la hojarasca by Los Quetzales Mexican Dance Ensemble

Danzas al compás de la hojarasca

Dances in step with the fallen leaves

Saturday, November 14, 8 PM

Gunston Arts Center, Theatre One
2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, VA

A dazzling display of vibrant, colorful costumes: a dynamic flow of dances and dancers in sync, with perfect rhythmic footwork and colorful twirling skirts. Join us in experiencing the warmth of Mexico with Los Quetzales.

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Master workshops

Talleres con maestros

Twice a year, in spring and fall, master artists, dance and music experts from the United States and Mexico teach workshops in Mexican dance and music.

Music workshops are taught by masters of Mexican music, in person and also online.

Ask about workshops
Son jarocho musicians playing on stage, with a line of dancers in white Veracruz dresses behind them

Traditions and culture at the core

Las tradiciones y la cultura, en el centro de todo

Los Quetzales Mexican Dance Ensemble was founded in Arlington, Virginia, in 1998 by its Executive and Artistic Director, Laura Ortiz. Since then, the company has earned its reputation as Northern Virginia’s premier performing company of Mexican folklore.

Our programs present the rich cultural traditions of Mexico through authentic, colorful costumes, dances, music and culture, showcasing the dance styles of Mexico’s 31 states. Professional musicians from the United States and Mexico accompany our annual theater concerts.

Since its beginnings, Los Quetzales has performed alongside other Arlington County groups at international festivals, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, Arlington County school events, and parish festivals at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

Artistic excellence is our goal ~ artistic quality is our standard.

Laura Ortiz in a white Veracruz dress, dancing with a partner in white, with a red ribbon at their feet
Laura Ortiz, founder and artistic director

Book us for your event

Lleve Los Quetzales a su evento

Los Quetzales performs at festivals, schools, libraries, cultural institutions and community celebrations across the Washington area. Tell us about your event.

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Recent performances and collaborations

  • Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage
  • Mexican Cultural Institute and the Embassy of Mexico
  • GALA Hispanic Theater, Three Kings celebration
  • Arlington County’s Gunston Theatre One and Theatre 2: “Sones y Tradiciones” and “Estampas Otoñales”
  • Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, Day of the Dead celebration
  • Things to Do DC, Day of the Dead and New Year’s celebrations
  • Arlington libraries, multicultural festivals and international fairs
  • St. Ann’s Catholic Church and Arlington’s Department of Parks and Recreation
Dancers spinning yellow and pink skirts on stage, with a violinist and harpist playing behind them Young dancers in red, black and blue skirts performing on stage Young men in white raising their straw hats at the end of a performance Couples in cowboy hats and polka-dot skirts dancing on stage Dancers in white Veracruz dresses performing in a chandeliered ballroom for a Day of the Dead crowd A smiling dancer in a red ribboned dress spreads her skirt beside a charro Dancers in purple and orange dresses at a Day of the Dead altar with a marigold arch Two dancers swirling blue and red skirts at an outdoor street festival Two dancers spreading wide orange and purple skirts on stage A line of dancers in brown fringed suede costumes holding hands on stage

Become an arts patron

Apoye las artes

Support Los Quetzales’ annual dance and music concerts, our local educational programs, class scholarships, our master dance and music workshops, and other community activities and events.

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Ask about classes or a performance

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