Danzantes Del Alma, the student folkloric dance troupe of UC Davis established in 1977, has made it possible to celebrate traditional and contemporary Mexican, Chicano and Latino cultures through learning and performing traditional dances of Mexico and contemporary dances of the Chicano/Latino experience.  Danzantes also fosters and nurtures student leadership, intellectual curiosity and artistic expression through this art of folklorico.  The troupe also focuses on promoting higher education by providing education programs to area schools and communities and serving as role models for youth.

        Formerly known as "Ballet Folklorico del Alma," Danzantes began with the initiative of a group of students.  Within a short period of time, they built a repertoire, created a wardrobe, received performance requests and became an ASUCD-funded unit.  When ASUCD terminated Danzantes funding in 1980, Chicano students staged a protest and demanded a review of the status of Chicano students on campus.  The administration responded by providing funding for Danzantes, and since 1981, the troupe has successfully operated as a program of the University administered by the Student Programs and Activities Center.

         Danzantes has grouwn into a popular and talented company that is highly regarded for its enthusiasm, beauty and skill.  The troupe has been invited to perform on campus and throughout Northern California, and in 1997-1998, Danzantes reached over 8,200 people through its area performances, classes and workshops.

        Our mission is to:

+    To Have Fun and Relieve Stress!

+    To Learn and Perform Cultural Dances.

+    To Provide Support and Become a Familia With Our Members.

+    To Educate all Communities Inside and Outside the University.

+    To Serve as Role Models and Provide Educational Outreach to All Youth.

+    To Preserve and Celebrate Contemporary and Traditional Chicano/Latino Culture.

+    To Foster and Nurture Student Leadership, Academic Achievement, and Artistic
      Expression