Professional Biography

The Texas Association for Dance and Culture (TADC) was born out of a vision I shared with a group of dedicated colleagues and mentors. Together, we created a platform to empower dance educators, students, and communities across Texas. I am deeply honored to lead alongside such a passionate and committed group of educators, cultural advocates, and leaders who share a common goal of preserving and expanding cultural dance education. Their dedication and expertise inspire me daily as we work together to create meaningful opportunities and provide support for the next generation of dancers and educators.

This journey was deeply personal for me, inspired by my own experiences as an educator and grant recipient, supported by the CFBISD Education Foundation and the Credit Union of Texas Charitable Foundation. Witnessing the profound impact nonprofit organizations can have on students motivated me to take action. 

The need to establish TADC became even clearer when I saw a group of elementary and middle school students participate in the North Texas Ballet Folklorico Contest without proper folklorico footwear. Seeing their passion and effort despite lacking resources reminded me of the importance of creating equitable opportunities for all students to experience dance. That moment reaffirmed my commitment to making cultural dance education more accessible and equitable.

My high school dance teacher, Diana Elizabeth Gallego, has always been my greatest motivation and inspiration to provide high-quality instruction and opportunities to all students. Her mentorship shaped my passion for cultural dance and education. Diana's nonprofit, the Texas Association for Hispanic Dance and Culture, which operated from 2000- 2011, had a mission to bridge the gap between folklorico dancers and higher education. Her organization gave me access to train with educators who prepared me to pursue a degree in dance. Experiencing that support as a student, and now being an educator for 17 years, has made me aware of the tremendous need to provide students and educators with the resources they need to succeed. Diana’s dedication to helping students pursue their passion for dance has inspired me to continue expanding those opportunities for others. When I shared my vision with Diana, she wholeheartedly agreed that starting a new nonprofit would build upon and expand the mission she started over two decades ago.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, TADC is committed to promoting the understanding, appreciation, and practice of dance education and culture. It is my hope that through TADC, we can continue to create meaningful opportunities, support educators and students, and honor the rich cultural traditions that dance brings.

As one of the 18 educators and advocates who co-founded the North Texas Ballet Folklórico Contest in 2019, I have been deeply committed to advancing Ballet Folklórico in Texas schools. Our vision was to create a platform where students could compete at a high level, receiving feedback from Folklórico experts who have dedicated their lives to the advancement and research of Ballet Folklórico. Over the years, we’ve worked tirelessly to advocate for Ballet Folklórico’s recognition as a UIL-sanctioned activity, much like Mariachi. With the continued growth of the contest and the support of key partners like the AT&T Performing Arts Center, we are excited to expand its impact statewide

As the co-author of Mexican Folkloric Dance, published by Human Kinetics, I contributed to creating a comprehensive resource that bridges the cultural richness of Mexican dance with accessible teaching methods for educators. This tool serves K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and community centers, offering educators a way to bring the vibrant traditions of Mexican folkloric dance to life. In collaboration with Maestra Silvia Lozano, Director of the Ballet Folklórico Nacional de México de Silvia Lozano, and internationally renowned master teacher, the program includes a DVD with step-by-step instruction, a music CD featuring authentic rhythms, and bilingual instructional materials. Covering regions such as Michoacán, Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Veracruz, and Jalisco, the resource not only teaches dance techniques but also integrates interdisciplinary learning opportunities in Spanish language studies, geography, and anthropology.

This project was a labor of passion and commitment to preserving and sharing the beauty, history, and cultural significance of Mexican folkloric dance with new generations. I am deeply honored to have been mentored by Maestra Silvia Lozano since I was 14 years old when I first attended her summer dance intensives in Dallas. Our continued communication and collaboration are a testament to our shared dedication to advancing Ballet Folklórico in education, as we constantly explore new ways to bring these traditions to more students and communities.

As the Drill Team Director at Creekview High School, I have prioritized empowering our dance officers to find and express their unique voices through movement. By providing them with opportunities to choreograph for competitions, field performances, and our annual spring show, I foster an environment where creativity and leadership thrive. This approach not only enhances their technical and artistic skills but also allows them to build a portfolio of their choreographic work. These experiences serve as a foundation for students who choose to continue their studies in precision dance at the collegiate level, equipping them with the confidence and expertise to excel in higher education and beyond.

Celebración de Vida, an event created three years ago, was born out of the vision to expand my practice-based research from my MFA, focusing on “Mexican Folklore and its use as an impetus in contemporary choreography”. What began as an artistic endeavor has since evolved into a meaningful cultural celebration. The event features performances by Los Stangs Ballet Folklórico Company, Moving Ground Dance Company, and our feeder middle schools. Creekview’s Dance Department creates an altar that is displayed in front of the school entrance giving our community, students, and staff the opportunity to display pictures of their loved ones who they would like to honor during the event. The event has grown to include and support our community  local vendors. It has become a vibrant cultural experience, offering our community a chance to come together and celebrate our loved ones.

Noche de Hispanidad at Creekview High School was founded three years ago after a conversation between myself and Coach Tony Castillo, Creekview's former athletic director. We both recognized the importance of connecting the community through cultural celebrations, and we saw an opportunity to honor Hispanic Heritage Month during a football game. Our goal was to celebrate and uplift the Hispanic community within the school district. Over the years, it has grown into a cherished tradition. This year, Creekview’s Mariachi also joined the celebration, adding even more vibrant energy to the event and highlighting the richness of Hispanic culture.

As a curriculum writer and presenter, I had the privilege of contributing to the development of the Dance Appreciation course: African American and Mexican Folkloric Studies. In addition to my work as a curriculum writer, I have written curriculum for both Ballet Folklórico and Dance Education, developing resources that support students' artistic and academic growth. I have also presented professional development sessions in numerous school districts across the state, as well as at national and state dance conferences. My presentations cover a range of topics, including dance education, folklorico dance, K-12 choreographic tools, best practices for the classroom, and helping students find their artistic voice. It has been incredibly rewarding to share my experience and practices with educators and students, helping them grow both artistically and academically.

I had the honor of being a contributing author in Dance Teaching Methods and Curriculum Design (2nd Edition) by Human Kinetics. This experience allowed me to share my passion for Mexican folkloric dance and its importance in the dance education curriculum.