History and Philosophy

The inspiration for the concept was National Dance Week in San Jose that featured five statewide folklorico groups. Festival founders John Estrada and Sue Welsh envisioned a dance program that would include many more folklorico groups from throughout the state of California united in an annual celebration. The first festival was held in UCLA in 1979 and continues to take place during Palm Sunday Weekend. It provides an opportunity for Mexican folk dancers to meet, study and perform in a united celebration. The three-day Festival offers movement classes, lectures, costume showing, visual art workshops, dance presentations and musical recitals. DUF has offered a positive outlet for the creative energies and artistic potential of folkloristas since its inception. Emphasis is placed on sharing and participation is open to all dancers regardless of age or skill level.

Festival Sites

The festival was hosted in Los Angeles from 1979 to 1984 after which time the torch passed to San Jose from 1985 to 1989. Fresno took up the responsibility in 1990 and 1991. Due to a lack of host, the festival did not take place in 1992, failure to find a host resulted in the cancellation of the event. Following the creation of a Steering Committee, Fresno once again hosted in 1993.

In 1994 the organization incorporated as a non-profit organization functioning within the state of California . Since then, DUF has traveled to other cities across the state: San Diego , 1994 & 1995; Salinas , 1996 & 1997; and Hayward , 1998 & 1999; Fresno in 2000 & 2001, Sacramento in 2002, Fresno 2003 & 2004, Gardena in 2005 and Whittier in 2006.

DUF 2007 will once again be held in the eastern Los Angeles communities of Whittier and Pico Rivera .

Organization of the Danzantes Unidos Festival

When the festival began in Los Angeles , the founders sought to base the event on an actual festival that takes place in Mexico . The Danzantes Unidos Festival parallels the dance festival of the Totonaca Indians of Mexico. Currently, the festival is overseen by the Danzantes Unidos de California Board of Directors, which consists of representatives from throughout the state.

“This is the website for the official Danzantes Unidos Festival, a federally recognized nonprofit organization. There is NO OTHER Danzantes Unidos Festival sanctioned by this organization. The Danzantes Unidos Festival 2007 in Whittier , California , is not in the financial position to honor registrations from other festivals. Please be sure that you, your members, your parents, your directors and/or organizations are registering for and receive confirmation from the official Danzantes Unidos Festival 2007 in Whittier , California .”

This is your Danzantes Unidos and we welcome your input. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please contact us to be notified of upcoming meetings.

Sincerely,
Maria Luisa Colmenarez
Chair, Danzantes Unidos ®