Ballet Folklórico Contests

 The Texas Association for Dance and Culture (TADC) is proud to present and support Ballet Folklórico contests across the State of Texas, an exciting extension of the North Texas Ballet Folklórico Contest. Established in 2019 by 18 passionate dance educators, fine arts directors, and cultural advocates, this initiative began as a local effort to provide schools with a structured assessment platform for folklórico programs. Today, it has evolved into a statewide movement that uplifts cultural dance education in both public and private schools.  Our ongoing advocacy has played a vital role in advancing Ballet Folklórico within the Texas UIL system, and the contests are now in the monitoring phase with the University Interscholastic League (UIL) a significant step toward official recognition. 

The Adopt-a-School Program is a powerful initiative designed to enrich Texas Schools with vibrant cultural dance programs by providing essential resources to schools in need. Through this program, corporate sponsors, businesses, and individual donors have the unique opportunity to adopt a school of their choice, directly impacting students by supplying costumes, accessories, and materials that bring life to their dance program. TADC manages every step of the process, connecting sponsors with schools and ensuring that each contribution creates a lasting impact on students’ dance education. By supporting the Adopt-a-School Program, sponsors foster cultural pride, build meaningful community connections, and give young dancers the opportunity to learn about dance and culture. 

The Folklórico Innovative Grant is designed to support dance educators in public and private schools in starting new Ballet  Folklórico  programs in schools. This grant provides recipients with essential resources, such as shoes, skirts, and other basic materials necessary to begin a  Folklórico  dance group. The program aims to foster cultural education and preserve the rich traditions of Ballet  Folklórico  within the school environment, empowering educators to bring this vibrant art form to their students. As a foundational initiative, it serves as a stepping stone for expanding cultural dance education across Texas.

 The Summer Dance Institute is an immersive program offering students and educators an opportunity to deepen their understanding and skills in leadership and various dance forms. The institute features workshops and  masterclasses led by dance professionals and educators. Participants will enhance their technique, creativity, and cultural awareness, culminating in a showcase performance that highlights the diverse dance traditions explored during the program. TADC Summer Dance Institute is committed to fostering a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage through dance. 

The Dance Innovative Grants are designed to support dance educators in public and private schools in developing and implementing creative and unique dance programs that push the boundaries of traditional dance education. These grants provide funding for projects that explore new approaches to dance instruction, choreography, and performance, with an emphasis on cultural diversity and inclusion. Whether it's integrating technology into dance, creating interdisciplinary projects, or developing new curriculum models, the Dance Innovative Grants encourage innovation and experimentation in the field of dance education.

This program focuses on organizing and supporting community events that celebrate and promote cultural dance. These events include performances, workshops, festivals, and collaborations with local artists and organizations. The goal is to engage the broader community in experiencing and appreciating the diversity of cultural dance forms, fostering a sense of pride and connection to heritage. By bringing together dancers, educators, and community members, these events aim to create a vibrant cultural exchange that enriches the local arts scene and encourages ongoing participation in cultural dance.

 The Youth Council Program is an initiative designed to empower young leaders in the dance community by providing them with opportunities for leadership development, advocacy, and cultural engagement. This program brings together passionate dance students who are interested in dance and culture.Members of the TADC Youth Council will participate in workshops, leadership training, and community service projects, gaining valuable experience in organizing events, promoting cultural awareness, and advocating for the arts. The program aims to cultivate the next generation of dance leaders who will continue to advocate for dance and culture making a positive impact in their communities.  

*Coming Soon