Our Mission

Bailadores de Bronce promotes the beauty and richness of Mexican traditions through music and dance in the Pacific Northwest. We create a bridge of understanding among all people by sharing our culture, preserving our traditions and instilling pride in our youth.

History

In 1972, a group of students at the University of Washington, led by Josefina Jaramillo Alvarez, united in a common goal to demonstrate their pride in their Mexican heritage through music and dance. They questioned the lack of a Mexican dance group at the UW. In many ways it was a product of the Civil Rights and Chicano movements. 

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The group’s first official director was Elma Gonzalez Radke. Under her direction the small but dedicated group hosted the 1977 National Conference for ANGF, the Asociación Nacional de Grupos Folklóricos. In 1975 Cecilia Ortiz Boyer and her brother Alberto Ortiz joined the group, and the legacy that is Bailadores de Bronce found its heart and soul. Cecilia would dance in the group for 25 years. During her 18 years as director, she would inspire generations of dancers to take to the stage and share their cultural pride. The group was chosen as the representative of the Washington State Hispanic community in the 1986 World’s Fair in Vancouver, B.C.

In 1998, Cece invited Carlos Alaniz to become her co-director. After nine years as a dancer, he became the director in 2000. Under his leadership, the group returned to its roots at the University of Washington to practice at the Ethnic Cultural Center and to peform for the first time at Meany Hall in 2007 for its 35th Anniversary. The venue was filled to capacity. Before retiring in 2010, he orchestrated the formation of Bronce as a not-for-profit organization. Together, Cece and Carlos led Bailadores de Bronce for 28 years ensuring the success that the group enjoys today and leaving a legacy of pride in Mexican music and dance!! Carlos handed the group’s direction over to Julian Pérez and Jessica Bravo-Rohwer in 2010 and they led the group to it’s 40th Anniversary sold-out show at Meany in 2012 and solidified its reputation as the premier Ballet Folklorico group in the Northwest. Since 2012 Bronce has been led by Adrian Olivas as its Executive/Artistic Director.

All dancers, instructors and the Board of Directors volunteer their time, energy and efforts to ensure that Bailadores de Bronce continues to thrive. We always remember that it is the dancers themselves, with their dedication and love of their culture and of each other as a family, who are the glue that keeps Bailadores de Bronce together.

The dedication of the dancers is seen during performances in their intricate footwork and refined choreography. The richness of the culture can be seen in the beautiful costumes from the various regions of Mexico. The high energy and enthusiasm of the dancers transcends the stage and is felt by the audience at each performance. Bailadores de Bronce portrays the positive aspects of the Mexican culture in the broader community, breaking down cultural barriers and building bridges within the community.

Who We Are

Adrian Olivas

Adrian Olivas

Executive Director

Christina Olivas

Christina Olivas

Head Instructor

Current Board Members

Jessie Garcia, President
Jessica Rohwer, Secretary
Amber Tafoya, Grant Writing, Communications
Bárbara Deane, Governance
Cecilia Ortiz-Boyer, Alma de Bronce
Cecilia De La Cruz, Social Media
Kamala Squires-Henry, Dancer Liaison

New Board Members

David Miguel Mendoza, Dancer Liaison
Jovita Ramirez
Julia Kennedy Zarate, Dancer Liaison

Non-Voting Board Members

Adrian Olivas, Executive Director
Christina Olivas, Artistic Director

Advisory Board Members

Carlos Gil
Carlos Gil, Jr.
Cecilia Contreras
Dolores Hooks
Estevan Muñoz-Howard
Jesus Rodriguez

Past Board Members

Carlos Alaniz, 2007-2010, President 2013-2020, Co-Treasurer 2020-2024
Maggie Fonseca, Vice President – 2019-2022
Rosa Ramirez, Treasurer, 2020-2023
Dave Vasquez, Jan 2022 – June 2022
Margarita Muñoz, Treasurer 2007-2020
Jovita Ramírez, Vice President 2015-2019
Anadelia Torres, Treasurer 2010-2018
Andrea LaVare Malagón 2014-2016
Diana Bohn, 2008-2015
Julian Perez, 2007-2014
Juan Aguilar 2007-2013
Judy Aguilar 2007-2013
Jesus Rodriguez, 2013
Cecilia Contreras, Board President 2007-2012
Tanya Aguilar, Vice Chair 2007-2012
Virginia Wehr 2007-2012
Denise Sheridan, 2007-2012
Mandy Canales, 2011-2012
Santiago Contreras 2007-2010

Interested in becoming a board member?

We are always open to talk to people with a passion for our mission. Please take a look at the information in the link below to see if becoming a board member is the right fit for you. If you decide you would like to join us, please contact us

​Awards

Bronce received the Governor’s Heritage Arts Award for 2012
Tradition without sustainability is history. Tradition with sustainability is legacy! We are honored to recieve this award on behalf of the entire Mexican, Mexican-American & Chicano communities of Washington State.