Local Impact through Dance

At Edinburg Dance Theatre (EDT), we believe that dance is a powerful tool for education, creativity, and community building. Our programs in South Texas are designed to foster talent, provide access to high-quality arts experiences, and enrich the cultural life of our region.

Dancentre of Edinburg

Through Dancentre of Edinburg, our community dance school, we offer year-round training for dancers of all ages and levels. Our curriculum balances strong technical foundation with artistic expression, nurturing students from their first dance class to pre-professional performance.

Each year, EDT presents beloved community productions that have become local traditions:

  • The Nutcracker—A full-length holiday classic featuring young dancers alongside professional guests.

  • Peter and the Wolf—A family-friendly introduction to classical music and dance.

  • Spring Performance & Young Choreographer’s Workshop—Showcasing student talent and emerging choreographers from our community.

Through these programs, we create opportunities for young artists to perform, grow, and connect, making dance accessible and meaningful for families throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Ballet Nepantla

Ballet Nepantla is the national and international touring and outreach initiative of Edinburg Dance Theatre. Co-founded by Andrea Guajardo, an Edinburg native and alum of Dancentre, Ballet Nepantla fuses contemporary ballet with traditional Mexican folklórico, creating original works that celebrate cultural heritage, identity, and the blending of traditions.

Nepantla, a Nahuatl word meaning “in-between-ness,” embodies our mission: exploring the spaces where cultures meet, stories intertwine, and new artistic expressions are born.

Through Ballet Nepantla, EDT extends its impact beyond Texas, touring nationally and internationally with performances that have been featured at notable venues like:

  • Madison Square Garden (NYC)

  • Jacob’s Pillow (MA)

  • Tobin Center for the Performing Arts (TX)

  • Teatro Santa Ana de La Biblioteca (San Miguel de Allende, MX)

  • Gloria Anzaldúa International Conference (Paris, FR)

  • National and regional theaters, universities, and festivals

Our touring work is paired with meaningful educational outreach, including:

  • Masterclasses for students of all ages

  • Community workshops

  • School performances and artist talks

  • Cultural discussions and “pláticas” with underserved communities

  • Collaborations with various community organizations

Ballet Nepantla is a direct extension of EDT’s nonprofit mission, expanding and deepening our commitment to cultural storytelling, representation, and accessible arts education into new communities across the country and globally.