¡Hola! We are Almitas Dance Academy based in the South Bay of Los Angeles, established in 2023. We promote Mexican heritage by teaching folklorico dance to students from three years old to adults. Classes are taught at our dance studio in Hawthorne.

Our mission is to keep traditions alive and share our rich roots. We perform with great joy, effort, and dedication, and our presentations demonstrate our passion for community and culture. As we continue to expand in the South Bay, we're always looking for opportunities to connect and develop partnerships. Consider collaborating or sponsoring to help us bring the folklorico experience far and wide!

Almitas Dance Academy is eternally grateful for the support of parents, event planners, community leaders, and in particularly, our audience. Your help enables us to learn more and reach further. We couldn't do it without you!

Las Maestras

Nancy (Directora)

At a very young age, I realized my passion for music and dance.

In Guanajuato Mexico, where I grew up, I was part of school dances, performances, competitions, and surprise dances at parties.

During high school, I was part of Los Huizacheros Grupo Folklorico at Santee Education Complex in Downtown Los Angeles, where I was in many school performances and plays. I had the opportunity to perform at Disneyland and at different quinceañera venues, then transitioned into teaching. I was awarded a plaque for "Artist of the Year" by a Teachers Union Non-profit Organization in 2008.

In university, I joined Yectli Grupo Folklorico de CSULA, where I was part of the first CSU Folklórico Show, which debuted in 2012 in Fresno, CA. I graduated from CSULA with a BA in Spanish. I am in love with language and dance!

Currently, I am a Spanish teacher and the director of Almitas Dance Academy in Hawthorne. We have successfully performed in many amazing places, from small community events all the way up to the Crypto Arena, Angels Stadium, and Knotts Berry Farm.

My passion for Folklórico drives me to enhance my learning by attending workshops, performances, and classes in the US and Mexico. As a teacher, I believe I owe my students my growth and continuous legacy. Beyond the studio, I enjoy reading, relaxing in saunas, visiting Mexico, and spending time with my family.

Ale / Alejandra

My name is Alejandra Martinez Aldama, mucho gusto! I am a professional cosmetologist and makeup artist. I'm also a certified emotional consultant. I truly enjoy spending time in nature, and the beach is my center of peace. God and family come first.

My love and passion for La Danza started at a very young age. I was born and raised in a very small and cheerful town, Zipimeo Michoacan Mexico, where traditional festivities are still observed. Folklorico, Danza, and Purépecha culture are the center of entertainment in every town event.

From school festivals and celebrations to honoring ancestral rituals and traditions, I've had the privilege of continuing my passion for dance in the US. I reconnected with it after joining Gardena High School Ballet Folklorico. Once I graduated high school, I was the instructor for an after school arts program at the same high school. I had the privilege of performing in large events, danced on incredible stages, and experienced folklorico competitions. I'm lucky to have so many amazing memories with fabulous and unforgettable dance group members. I'll cherish them for life.

Years later, I joined the Grupo Mexica from CSULB until life took a turn and I found myself distanced. Fortunately, I found my way back and reignited my passion through Almitas Dance Academy. I'm excited to begin a thrilling new journey, sharing my culture, my roots and my love for the Danza that goes beyond places, people and traditions. It's in my blood and I try to project that in every number I perform.

The music, the culture, the traditions, and the outfits are part of who I am, what I stand for. I am very proud to perform in a way that goes far beyond simple entertainment. Folklorico is life and those that take a chance on it will experience more than just a hobby -- it's a way to express yourself, the Mexican culture, your roots, and traditions. Most importantly, it's MY way of representing Mexico and all of the regions with honor and pride.

Louise / Luisa

I am the unlikeliest member of the team! I was born in England and raised in Orange County, California. My DNA is literally 99.9% British, but I've been granted an honorary 0.01% Mexican heritage due to my dedication to learning and teaching folklorico. I've also embraced Mexican culture, from food to language. I'm not fluent in Spanish (yet), but I've learned a lot from my Almitas friends.

I met Nancy in May of 2024 when she began offering beginner classes in Wilmington. My three daughters joined and talked me into trying too. To make a long story short, I've been learning, practicing, and performing ever since. I went from zero dance experience to becoming proficient at Sinaloa, Jalisco, Chiapas, Veracruz, and Calabaceado. Now I help lead younger dancers in performances and have started experimenting with choreography.

It's been a joy to be involved with Almitas Dance Academy. I'm grateful to know such wonderful and welcoming people! The best part has been finding a fun activity for my daughters and I to enjoy together. We've had some incredible experiences performing and immersing ourselves in a culture outside of our own.

As if my story isn't unusual enough, I'm also a licensed funeral director/embalmer, a certified structural steel welder, a writer, an artist, a voracious reader (over 100 novels each year), and a former demolition derby car driver. I have one husband, two dogs, three kids, six cats, and an 8 foot tall metal dinosaur. I'm known for feeding stray cats, raccoons, opossums, and skunks as well.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse