Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Academy in Albuquerque, NM
Baila! Baila! Dance Academy has been dedicated to teaching Ballet Folklorico and Traditional Mexican Folk Dance since 1990. Founded by sisters Israela and Felissa Garcia, our mission is to preserve cultural heritage through the arts while fostering confidence and life skills in students of all ages. We offer comprehensive training from beginner to advanced levels, including performance teams and annual summer tours to destinations like Sydney, London, and Hawaii. Our programs cater to children starting at age 2 through adults, with specialized opportunities for Albuquerque teens through free community partnerships.Salsaerobics classes provide fitness through Latin music, and our newly renovated rehearsal spaces host performances, costume rentals, and event bookings. With over 30 years of experience, we emphasize cultural education, community engagement, and artistic excellence, supported by collaborations with the City of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico.
Services
Ballet Folklorico
Salsaerobics
Performance Teams
Summer Tours
Costume Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience teaching Ballet Folklorico in New Mexico.
- We offer free dance programs for Albuquerque teens through community partnerships.
- Our students gain performance experience at local, national, and international events.
- We provide Salsaerobics classes combining fitness with cultural music traditions.
- Our academy partners with the City of Albuquerque to support underserved youth.
Services
Ballet Folklorico
Traditional Mexican Folk Dance instruction for ages 2 to adult. Classes build technical skills and cultural appreciation through choreography and performance. Students gain confidence while learning regional dances from Mexico's diverse heritage.
Salsaerobics
High-energy fitness classes set to Latin music. Combines dance moves with cardiovascular exercise for all fitness levels. Promotes physical health while celebrating cultural rhythms in a fun, social environment.
Performance Teams
Advanced training for competitive and touring dance groups. Members perform at local events, national festivals, and international venues. Develops teamwork, discipline, and stage presence through professional-grade productions.
Summer Tours
Annual international dance tours to destinations like Sydney, London, and Hawaii. Provides immersive cultural experiences and performance opportunities at global events. Includes fundraising support for participant accessibility.
Costume Rentals
Traditional Mexican folk dance costume rentals for performances and events. Includes complete outfits with accessories like bloomers, nylons, and folklorico shoes. Available for both academy students and external bookings.
People
Israela Garcia
Founder/Director
Co-founder with 30+ years of experience in Ballet Folklorico. Leads summer tours and advanced classes, maintaining cultural authenticity in choreography and performance training.
Felissa Garcia
Co-Founder
Co-founder instrumental in establishing community programs. Focuses on youth development and partnerships with Albuquerque schools to expand dance education access.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We specialize in Ballet Folklorico (Traditional Mexican Folk Dance) and offer Salsaerobics fitness classes.
Are there free programs available?
Yes! Our All City Teen program provides free Ballet Folklorico lessons for New Mexico students grades 8-12.
Do you offer adult classes?
Yes, we have beginner to advanced classes for adults, including Salsaerobics sessions.
Can we book performances?
We perform at public/private events statewide. Contact us at (505) 880-1488 for bookings.
What are summer tour destinations?
Past tours include Sydney Olympics, London, Hawaii, Mexico, and Disney World performances.
Do you rent costumes?
Yes, we offer traditional Mexican folk dance costume rentals with complete accessory packages.
Reviews (5)
Eliza Livingston
Aug 16, 2021
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My daughter loves . We have been going for quite some time. She has learned several dances and had the opportunity to participate in multiple performances. The staff is amazing and the experience is wonderful! We have tried other dance studios and they don't compare. Our experience is they don't teach young children full routines (dances) and have few if any performances.
Cruz N. Anissa Lugo
Sep 29, 2019
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Baila Baila demonstrated such a welcoming and open environment. Everyone was friendly and the director is very customer/dancer oriented.
Peggy Sue Salazar
Aug 26, 2019
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My daughter looks forward to her practices and performances. She is having so much fun! Teacher Anna is amazing with these kids!
Lore J.
Aug 15, 2019
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Booked them to perform at our wedding and it was amazing!!! Guests were so impressed and the dances were great, the entire team was so kind , definitely recommend them!
Alyssa
May 30, 2019
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Dresses were falling apart, staff was not very polite, and dancers almost always preformed at the same place with the same routines which got boring. Classes were either boring or highly enjoyable, complete hit or miss. Baila-Baila did help me find my passion for folklorico which I will never lose and am greatful for.
