Angelita Reyes: Uniting Dance and Latin Culture for Kids

Julia Wagner · 2026-02-20

You know that feeling when you find something that just clicks? For Angelita Itzanami Reyes, that something was dance. But not just any dance. She saw a gap, a missing piece in how we teach movement to children. So she created SOMOS Niños, a program that does more than teach steps—it builds bridges. It's about connection, really. The kind that happens when a child discovers rhythm isn't just in the music, but in their own heartbeat, in the stories of their family, in the language their abuela speaks. Angelita's approach is different because she understands that culture isn't an add-on. It's the foundation. ### What Makes SOMOS Niños Different? Most kids' dance classes focus on technique. And sure, that's important. But Angelita asks a bigger question: what are we connecting to while we learn those steps? Her classes weave Spanish language, Latin American folklore, and contemporary movement into one seamless experience. Kids aren't just learning to dance; they're learning to express a rich cultural identity. Think about it. How many programs truly honor the whole child? Their heritage, their language, their community? That's the heart of SOMOS Niños. It's in the name—"We Are Children." It's a declaration. ### Building Community Through Movement The magic happens in the studio, of course. But it doesn't stay there. Parents talk about seeing their kids light up, about hearing Spanish used proudly in new contexts. The classes become a gathering point, a space where families feel seen and celebrated. It's more than an after-school activity; it's a cultural hub. Angelita often says, "We dance who we are." That philosophy shapes every class. The music selection, the storytelling, the collaborative games—all of it is designed to affirm identity. For children growing up in a multicultural world, that affirmation is powerful. It's a gift of confidence. ### The Educator's Vision So, who is the woman behind this vision? Angelita is a dancer, a choreographer, and most importantly, an educator with a mission. Her background is a blend of formal training and deep cultural knowledge. She saw a need for programming that didn't ask kids to leave part of themselves at the door. Her work proves that artistic excellence and cultural education aren't separate goals. They fuel each other. When a child understands the history behind a Mexican folklorico step, they perform it with more intention. When they learn the lyrics to a salsa song, their movement gains a new layer of meaning. Here’s what the program focuses on: - Integrating Spanish vocabulary with dance terminology - Exploring dances from various Latin American regions - Creating original choreography that tells personal and cultural stories - Fostering a supportive, inclusive studio environment > "Dance is the language my body speaks when my words aren't enough," Angelita shares. "With SOMOS Niños, I want every child to feel fluent in that language, and proud of the accent their culture gives it." ### Why This Model Matters Now In a world that often pushes for assimilation, programs like SOMOS Niños offer a vital counter-narrative. They say: your heritage is an asset. Your bilingualism is a strength. Your cultural story is worth dancing about. For studio owners and choreographers, this is a compelling model. It shows how specialized, culturally-grounded programming can meet a real community need and stand out in a crowded market. It's not about excluding anyone. It's about depth. About offering something authentic and specific, which in turn creates a more vibrant and connected arts ecosystem for everyone. Angelita Reyes isn't just running dance classes. She's nurturing a generation of confident, culturally-rooted young artists. And honestly, that's a rhythm worth following.