DEFAP Drug Elimination Family Awareness Program & Fiesta Mexicana Dance Company

Our Location The Drug Elimination and Family Awareness Program (DEFAP) is a non profit 501 (C )(3) organization based locally in Glendale, Arizona, which serves both Glendale and the greater Phoenix area.

Our Mission The Drug Elimination Family Awareness Program (DEFAP)’s mission is to preserve cultural heritage and help youth by providing programs that build self- esteem and social development while creating a sense of belonging.

Our History Fiesta Mexicana Dance Company dates back 30 years in history with its initial stages in Chicago, IL, formed by Master Choreographer and Director, Daniel Martínez. Then, in 1996 Fiesta Mexicana begins as an after school program for youth of all ages to preserve and promote Mexican dance traditions, ranging from pre-Historic to modern.

Our History Continued… As the program grew, the needs of the youth involved in the dance company became overwhelmingly apparent. Many of the youth dancing with the program were ‘at-risk’ individuals whose alternatives for afterschool activities included gangs, drugs and violence. Hence, Drug Elimination Family Awareness Program (DEFAP) was established as a non-profit organization; to provide a safe place for youth to go during non-school hours and positive alternatives to these unhealthy behaviors.

In Association with : Ballet Folclórico Nacional de Mexico Aztlán de Silvia Lozano Maestra Silvia Lozano is one of the most distinguished artists recognized internationally as a leading advocate of authentic Mexican folklore. Her Spanish, French and Indian descent, exemplify the unique blend of Mexico. Thus, she has associated with Fiesta Mexicana Dance Company to work side by side as the only official group that represents Mexico in the U.S.A. and it is a great honor as we accept that compromise.

Variety of Dances We specialize in dances from various regions of Mexico and Latin American countries, such as Costa Rica, Republica Dominicana, Venezuela, Cuba, Peru and more!

Our Repertoire Includes:  Ballet Folklorico  Country Western  Jazz  50’s  Salsa  Merengue  Ballet  and many others

Available for Any Type of Entertainment or Event  Community events  Conventions  Cultural Events  Resorts  Fairs  Private Parties  Company Receptions

Past Performances The White House, 1978 Christmas Around the World Festival Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL Purdue University Indiana University Las Vegas, NV, 2005 Olvera Street in Los Angeles, CA, 1999 Disneyland, CA, 1999 Dallas, TX,

Past Performances Multicultural World Fair Phoenix Civic Plaza Cesar Chavez Foundation Hualapai Annual Festival Orpheum Theatre State of Arizona Cultural Events Arizona Cardinals Phoenix Suns World Renowned Mexican singers and musicians

Partnerships & Friends

Contact Us Fiesta Mexicana YWCA Building 8561 N. 61 st Ave. Glendale, AZ Diane Camarillo (623) (602) mobile (623) (fax)