Los Danzantes preparing to perform in December

Since it started at Fresno State in the 1970s, Los Danzates de Aztlán has been known all across campus, throughout California, and even in Rosarito, Mexico, for their talent off and on the stage.

Dr. Victor Torres received his BA and Ph.D in Anthropology at the University of California, Irvine, and was recruited to be the next Director of Los Danzantes de Aztlán in 1997 by his predecessor Professor Ernesto Martinez, who started Los Danzates de Aztlán.

Torres fell in love with folkloric dance when he was at UC Irvine and the love for it stuck with him to teach his students what it means to him.

“So Folklorico to me was that vehicle that gave me a sense of belonging because although I was in a big university with very few people that looked like me, and folkloric who we all looked at each other, and we all had the same passion and pride in our heritage and that just took off,” said Torres.

Ezekiel Flores, a sophomore studying exercise science, has been dancing with Los Danzantes for two years.

“So Dr. T will always bring the best out of you,” said Flores. “He won’t settle for anything less. He always wants you to do better, and he knows you can do better so he’ll always push you, and for that, I’m very appreciative.”

Laura Alvarez was part of Torres’ high school folkloric summit and now dances at Fresno State. Torres’ high school folkloric summit connects the art of folkloric dance and high schoolers so they can see a familiar group outside of school and for their future.

“He is so passionate about the little details,” Alvarez said. “We’ll work a lot on technique using things with we call them ticas where we lift up our knee. We have a lot of high knees. Yeah, he’s very into those little details and I feel like that’s what makes us stand out a lot.”

As the holidays are getting closer, Los Danzates de Aztlán is prepping for their Annual Christmas Show on Dec. 7. For more information, follow their Instagram at losdanzantesdeaztlán.