Folklórico Dance Instructors

Four master instructors will lead the three levels of dance students through technique and choreography during the Festival Workshops.

Joining forces with acclaimed maestro Rafael Zamarripa from the University of Colima are maestros Juan Carlos Gaytán, Rudy Figueroa, and Jessica Torres.

Juan Carlos Gaytán Rodríguez

A member of the Ballet Folklórico de la Universidad de Colima since 1988, maestro Gaytán holds a degree in Danza Escénica and has performed with the first company in more than 1300 events and has participated in over 80 domestic and 25 international tours (through 15 countries). In 2000 Gaytán took charge of the Resident (Second) Company and in 2003 became the Assistant Director to the Main (First) Company.

Aside from collaborating with his mentor, Rafael Zamarripa, in numerous workshops, Gaytán also directed “Rio Bravo” in San Antonio, Texas in 1997. In 2006 he helped form a dance fusion group, “Univerdanza” and in 2008 was instrumental in the creation of an affiliated children’s group that he still directs. Maestro Gaytán has received more than 150 trophies, awards, and recognitions for his work both in his native México and abroad.

Rudy Figueroa

Rudy Figueroa began studying bailes regionales under the direction of Ramón Morones and Susan Cashion in the mid ‘70s. He joined Los Lupeños de San José as a performer, but quickly became an instructor and master costumer. Rudy was an instructor for the University of San Diego’s Summer Program in Guadalajara for three years and was director of the children’s group Niños de Aztlan for six years. Other experience includes as a performing member of Xochipilli, guest instructor for numerous performing companies, and a regular instructor for the annual Danzantes Unidos Festival. He has also served as a judge for the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival auditions. Rudy is a guest performer for Los Cenzontles throughout the country. In addition to being the lead instructor for Los Lupeños’ Escuela, he is the instructor for Hilos de Plata, a senior citizen dance group.

Jessica Torres

Jessica Torres, a native of San José, has over 30 years experience in dance as a performer and instructor. She began studying folklórico while a freshman at Stanford University where she received her BA in Sociology. Her life’s work has centered on promoting arts education in the public schools and special needs programs. She has served as an Artist-in-Residence for the California Arts Council and LEA Partners in the San Jose Unified School District, and as a dance instructor for Bay Area elementary schools, high schools, and special programs. In addition to Mexican regional dance, she has studied Flamenco, Modern, and Jazz. Jessica has been a performance member of Los Lupeños de San José since 1988 and is the Director of their Escuela program at the Mexican Heritage Plaza.