Diversity in Arts and Nations for Cultural Education, Inc. (DANCE) is a Bronx-based 501 (c) 3 collective of Puerto Rican and other and other ethnically diverse artists founded in 2001 by Gilda Rivera-Pantojas. Its mission is to preserve, share, and present Puerto Rican folkloric dances while inspiring, entertaining, and educating the public. Through Danza Fiesta Baile y Teatro Puertorriqueño, DANCE brings an affordable, accessible, and high-caliber repertoire to all who wish to experience the joy of Puerto Rican arts, culture, and traditions.
For the past twenty years, dozens of collaborative projects have been created under the direction of Ms. Rivera-Pantojas, in partnership with other local artists and performed by Danza Fiesta. These dancemakers have merged their artistic skills resulting in a colorful repertoire of “Estampas Puertorriqueñas” that honors the continuity of the Puerto Rican folkloric traditions.
DANCE’s most recent estampa, “Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol de Loíza” celebrates the African heritage of the town of Loíza, Puerto Rico. With colorful costumes and vibrant dances, this piece premiered at the 10th Annual South Bronx Folk Festival in 2019. Excerpts of this piece were also feature at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2020. Other estampas include: “Cucubano”, “Estampas de la Montaña” and “Carnaval” among others.
