Volunteer Instructors

The dedication of our Volunteers is essential to the success of these programs, youth are inspired and motivated to achieve goals they may have never dreamed of, and isn't that what we are all suppose to do...help others grow.

Lorinda Maya, started dancing at the age of five in a local group in the Colton area; from there her love of folklorico grew. Lorinda attended Highland Elementary in Riverside while there she then joined the schools folklorico program. Under the instruction of David Avalos she trained very hard and began to develop style and passion for traditional folk dance. After leaving Highland she entered middle school at University Heights in Riverside where she began a dance group on campus that performed at schools cultural events. To further her knowledge and develop into a professional dancer she attended various workshops such as Danzantes Unidos. Lorinda had the privilege of dancing in several local Riverside groups threw out high school and college.  

Shortly after having my son Diego, I found myself really missing Folklorico so I started dancing again in a professional group. My daughter Alaina was about four years old at the time began asking me if she too could start dancing. I found myself in quite a predicament, my issue was money. Being a single mother of two, money for extra activities tends to be an issue. I thought to myself there must be a number of mothers out there wishing they could afford dance lessons for their daughters too. Fortunately I had something that not all mothers have and that the experience and knowledge of dance. Together with my sister Diana Ayala who was once a folklorico dancer herself we formed a plan and a group. Our mission would be to teach any child that wanted the art of folklorico dance free of charge. Not only did we want to form a group. We wanted to form a group that could compete with any other folklorico out there, not just with dance ability and steps but costuming and stage presence as well. Our little group has come a long way in three years, and I hope with the communities help we will be able to continue our mission.
 

Diana Ayala, After years of being a stay at home mom, I now enjoy giving back to my community, showing my children how important it is to volunteer and what rewards you will receive by giving.

I see our Folklorico group as a way to connect with my community and give back.  We are able to take students and teach them the Mexican culture through dance as well as the history of community, family, and wonderful feelings they can receive from performing.  We have taken our little group which started 3 years ago and have grown to a very strong professional quality group.  I have enjoyed watching our students grow and mature to a team of wonderfully talented performers.  Being able to start a nonprofit group, where we can give back to our community in a way where students and parents do not have to pay for lessons or costumes, but that volunteering their time with the group and local community, is the real reward; is outstanding.  It is a wonderful feeling to give back to others. Diana is one of the most dedicated instructors on the planet, her consistent efforts to help these youth discover the magnificence of dance and the confidence to express themselves is a gift and is inspirational to all that have the pleasure of knowing her.