Chicago Latino Dance Festival (DAY ONE)

Founded in 2019 by a group of young musicians who wanted to pay tribute to ranchera music and the mariachis that play it. They sought the guidance of Jaime Ordaz Espinosa, leader of a local mariachi in Michoacán, on how to properly play the instruments traditionally associated with the format. They made their debut at a festival honoring mothers. They have performed at quinceañera, baptisms, weddings and such towns as Chilchota, Caurio, and Uruapan.

Nahui Ollin was founded to embrace and perform the indigenous, ancient ceremonial dances of Mexico. The group focuses primarily on Aztec dance (also known as the Dance of the Concheros), and other indigenous dances, songs, and poetry. Lead performer Roberto Ferreyra is a “Capitan”(chief) of the mesa de danza, one of only a few in the United States. They have performed and given workshops at the Smithsonian Folkways Festival in Washington DC, at the Field Museum, various universities, festivals, and participated in Native American pow wows throughout the country. Nahui Ollin means fourth movement and their programming explores how we are all connected with ancient Pre-hispanic culture through nature, food, language, places, and words we all use.

The dance group Ecuador y sus Tradiciones was founded on October 20th, 2018 by Cecilia Matailo and Edwin Chunchi. The group was created to share Ecuadorian culture and ethnic traditions that are passed down from generation to generation with a mission to represent all of Ecuador.

Founded by Mauricio Ayala in 2018, the academy is dedicated to preserving and passing down the knowledge, tradition, and culture of dance to younger generations. Academia de Danza Aztlan celebrates the rich diversity of Mexican and Mexican-American cultural heritage through dance and music. Our repertoire honors Mexico’s past and keeps its traditions for the next generation. The Academia emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and education through dance and music, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for vibrant music and heritage.

Since 2004, Casa de la Cultura Guatemalteca has promoted the culture, dances and traditions of Guatemala in Chicago through their participation in such events as the Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Chicago.

Huitzillin Danza Mexicana was founded in 2021 and features members from various cities in Lake County. The company’s mission is to celebrate the cultural richness of Mexican heritage through dance and to reach audiences worldwide with captivating stories through dances of the highest artistic quality.