Calidanza Dance Company will implement culturally responsive after-school arts programs at eight K–12 sites within the Sacramento City Unified School District, engaging underserved youth ages 5–18 in traditional Mexican folk dance. Led by culturally reflective teaching artists, students will explore movement, music, and storytelling that foster self-confidence, cultural pride, and life skills. A special educational production, Navidades!, will take place on December 4, 2025, at the Crest Theater, providing students with a live, culturally enriching performance. CAC funds will support artist pay, curriculum development, and program coordination. This project removes barriers to arts access and creates inclusive, empowering learning experiences rooted in heritage.
Calidanza Mexican Dance Company is a multi-faucet community based organization that serves the artistic and cultural needs of the Latino community of Sacramento, CA. Our organization offers classes, workshops, public performances, in school arts programming and educational shows in and around the Sacramento community. The purpose of this project will be to offer the underserved Latino population of Sacramento a viable outlet to learn, observe, participate or appreciate Latino/Mexican arts programming in their own communities as well as in public venues open to the public.

