About
Danzantes del Alma (DDA), the student folklorico dance troupe of UC Davis established in 1977, has made it possible to celebrate traditional and contemporary Mexican, Chicanx and Latinx cultures through learning and performing traditional dances of Mexico and contemporary dances of the Chicanx/Latinx experience. Housed under the Cross Cultural Center (CCC), Danzantes del Alma fosters and nurtures student leadership, intellectual curiosity, inclusivity, and artistic expression through the art of folklorico. Our program also focuses on promoting higher education and retention by a mentorship program (Big and Little Program) and a study space within the CCC.
Formerly known as “Ballet Folklorico del Alma”, Danzantes del Alma began with the initiative of a group of students. Within a short period of time, they built a repertoire, wardrobe and received performance requests throughout the community. As of 2025, we have over 20 different sets of vestuario which we have gathered over the years. Some we have added this past year, and some we have had for over 30 years!
Danzantes del Alma has grown into a popular and talented dance troupe that is highly regarded for its enthusiasm, beauty, and skill. The troupe has been invited to perform on numerous campus events and throughout northern California. DDA performed at the UC Davis Mondavi Center for the first time in 2022, and we are going on our fourth year performing at this venue!
How to Join DDA
No prior experience is necessary, only a genuine enthusiasm for dance! Danzantes del Alma warmly welcomes all students who wish to join our dance troupe. Recruitment begins at the start of the fall quarter, so be sure to follow our social media channels for updates and details
2025 DANZANTES DEL ALMA ANNUAL SHOW - México, Siempre en Mi Corazón
Saturday, April 26, 2025 || Doors Open at 5:30pm, Show Starts at 6:00pm || Mondavi Center, UC Davis
Visit this link to purchase Tickets for the DDA Annual Show.
Children’s Folklorico Dance Workshop
DDA Annual Children’s Workshop is offered during the Winter Quarter. Please check back for updates in January 2026.
Request a Performance
Interested in having Danzantes del Alma perform at your event, conference, or reception?
1) Email our program with your event details and preferred dates to dda-ccc@ucdavis.edu or crrromero@ucdavis.edu if you do not receive an email back within 1 week.
2) Complete this performance request Google Form.
Kindly note that our performances are available during the academic school year and not during the summer.
In order for us to efficiently plan for your performance, please contact us at least 3 weeks prior to your event!
Interested in Donating to Our Program?
We recently joined the Crowdfund Campaign! Check out ways to donate to us during February and October, when the campaign is running.
We also accept donations year round! At any size, annual gifts are some of the most meaningful ways you can donate. Please visit our donation page for more information.
Questions?
Please feel free to email dda-ccc@ucdavis.edu and check out our linktree for other links or information about us. You can follow us on instagram at @ucdavis_danzantesdelalma for our most up-to-date information regarding what’s going on in DDA right now! :)
You can also contact Crystal Romero (she/they) at (530) 752-7032 or crrromero@ucdavis.edu for more information.