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!
2026 DANZANTES DEL ALMA ANNUAL SHOW - México, Siempre en Mi Corazón
Saturday, April 25, 2026 || Doors Open at 5:30pm, Show Starts at 6:00pm || Mondavi Center, UC Davis
Link to tickets for our 2026 show is currently LIVE!!! Click here purchase tickets
Interested in Donating to Our Program?
We recently joined the UC Davis Crowdfund Campaign! Check out ways to donate to us during February and October, when the campaign is running.
During this campaign we invite you to support our program as we raise funds to cover part of our operational costs associated with the annual show production. Your donation will help cover instructor fees, wardrobe purchases including repairs & maintenance fees, photographer and videographer fees, props for our annual show, and live music for the production amongst other areas.
We appreciate donations of all amounts. If you are unable to contribute at this time, we invite you to share our crowdfunding page your connections and help us reach a wider audience.
Thank you all for your support. ¡TodoxDDA!
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.
2025 DANZANTES DEL ALMA ANNUAL SHOW - Highlight Reel
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
Children’s Folklorico Dance Workshop
DDA Annual Children’s Workshop is offered during the Winter Quarter. Due to limited capacity, we are currently putting a pause on Children's Workshop for the 2026 academic year. Check back here or on our social media page for future updates!
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 [email protected] or [email protected] if you do not receive an email back within 1 week.
2) Complete this performance request Google Form.
Kindly note that our performances are only 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! We do receive a number of requests throughout the year so once we reach our max capacity for the quarter, we will let you know if we cannot fulfill your request as soon as possible.
Questions?
Email [email protected] and check out our linktree for other information about us.
Follow us on Instagram at @ucdavis_danzantesdelalma for the most up-to-date information regarding what’s going on in DDA :)
Contact DDA Program Advisor Crystal Romero (she/they) at (530) 752-7032 or [email protected] for more information.