About

Our Story

​​Vancouver Ballet Folklórico is a non-profit 501 (C)(3) status dance group that was founded in 2014 by Anna Cruz and Jesus Chavez. The group was actually known as Olincalli, which means the "House of Movement" in the Nahuatl language. Throughout the years, VBF has participated in events and performances from Eugene, OR. to Longview, WA.  Vancouver Ballet Folklórico is known for their colorful presentations of Mexican folk dances, Pre-Hispanic Dance and yearly installations of Dia de los Muertos.

2013  Tepeyac Pre-Hispanic Dance was first established as a dance group associated with a local church under the direction of Anna Cruz

2014  With a modest beginning, the Mexican folklore component included just three students from FVHS and 3 of Anna Cruz’s family members 

2014 The group was named Olincalli, a term of Nahuatl origin, its name translates to “house of Movement”.

2014-2017  3 years of wonderful presentations

2016  Connecting with art organizations and important advocates

2018  Despite a period of fragmentation, the group persevered and emerged stronger and more determined than ever, rebranding itself as Vancouver Ballet Folklórico

2018  Professional dance instructor from Portland became instrumental in the growth of VBF

2020 With an increase of children, two additional instructors were added, VBF grew and began holding dance practices at River City Church   

2020 Anna Cruz joined ARTSTRA as a board member 

2021  Anna Cruz recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFSWWA

2022 Anna Cruz received the Keeper of the Culture Award from Ridgefield Multicultural Festival

2022 Incorporated as a nonprofit in 2022 with the support of CAN and NBA | Won trophy from Hazel Dell parade 2022 Best float

2023 Currently 40 dancers, 7 instructors and a wonderful and supportive board

Anna Cruz received a 2021 Community Champion Award for advocating and organizing to expand arts and cultural offerings in southwest Washington. She is equally dedicated to increasing access to healthcare for Latinos across the region, serves on the board. Photo courtesy The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The local grantmaking organization established the Philanthropist of the Year Award to recognize individuals, couples, families or foundations that serve as exemplars of generosity in our community through their outstanding charitable support, leadership and service. Its revamped Community Champion Award celebrates individuals or organizations that are deeply engaged in communities, applying their time and talents to our region's most pressing issues in order to improve the quality of life for southwest Washington residents.

Anna Cruz receiving the Keeper of the Culture Award at the Ridgefield Multicultural Festival in 2022

VBF winning the 1st place trophy for Best Float at the Hazeldell Parade in 2022

We believe that there is a call for Hispanic representation in Clark County and we are grateful to have many supporters such as City of Vancouver, ARTSTRA, LULAC, CAN, Fourth Plain Forward, and more that help us accomplish this vision. The work we do is the future of our culture in this country, and it is important that we pass on the traditions to the generations to come.

Tepeyac Group

The Vancouver Ballet Folklórico goes beyond the preservation of Mexico's traditional folkloric dances—it safeguards the indigenous culture that existed prior to Spanish conquest. Included within our organization is a subgroup called Tepeyac, which is devoted to Pre-Hispanic Dance. Distinct from traditional dance attire, Tepeyac's dancers perform with rattles and feathers, their feet bare. In fact, Tepeyac predates Vancouver Ballet Folklórico, originating around 2010. It has graced various cultural events in Clark County and Portland, including the Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Waterfront, the Clark County Fair, and events in Eugene, Oregon.

Board Members

Vancouver Ballet Folklórico's Board Members are vital to our group as they make sure that everyone feels welcomed, events and practices are run smoothly, and ensure that the group's mission stays strong.They work to bring our mission and vision to life!

Anna Brackney Cruz

President

Anna (Brackney) Cruz is the founder of Tepeyac Pre-Hispanic dance group and founder of Vancouver Ballet Folklórico with previous collaboration from Jesus Chavez Vega. Anna is VBF's artistic director and board President. Anna has dedicated endless hours and love to VBF along with her two daughters who are also part of the group. Her passion for Day of the Dead celebrations is known in the community as she has collaborated with art organizations in Clark County every year.

Anna Cruz was born in California and was raised in the beautiful Mexican states of Jalisco and Veracruz where she studied dance and choreography at the University of Guadalajara and the IVEC/Instituto Veracruzano de Cultura. She has participated in dance performances since she was 7 years old. She enjoys photography, poetry, art, and outdoor activities. ​​

Anna has also represented the Northwest after auditioning for Kroger's Taste of Mexico commercial for Fred Meyer in 2014. Anna was also awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" through the Community Foundation of Southwest Washington in 2021.

Christine A. Richardson

Secretary / Board of Directors

Christine is honored to be a part of Vancouver Ballet Folklórico and serve on its board of directors. She hopes to bring her 34+ years working for non profit performing arts companies and her passion for collaboration and culture to support Anna and VBF.  Born and raised in Vancouver, Christine pursued her career across the country gaining knowledge and perspective that she now brings back to her hometown with the goal of helping to create opportunities for creative expression and community building for our youth via the performing arts. She is a master creative problem solver and detail oriented, but also has big picture vision, and is excited to put those skills to work for VBF.  Christine also serves as Vice Chair for the City of Vancouver Culture, Arts, and Heritage Commission, is Executive Director for theARTScentered, and a board member for Opera Theater Oregon.  

Grace Rodgers

Vice President

Grace Rodgers’ life mission is to positively transform and uplift the lives of Latinx youth and families in her community. She firmly believes in investing in families and does so through engaging, educating, and empowering families to take active roles. As a bilingual and biracial woman it is important to maintain the connection to her Mexican heritage. As a mother of two, she considers it imperative to pass down her language, knowledge of the rich history of Mexico and the love and appreciation of diversity to her own children. One of her greatests sources of pride, is her daughter Katey, who is in her second year with Vancouver Ballet Folklórico (VBF).

​Grace currently serves as VBF’s Vice President. She co-leads this maiden voyage with Maestra Anna as their first year as an non-profit organization. When she isn’t at VBF she can be found at her school site. Grace has been a secondary educator for over 15 years in historically underserved communities. She currently serves as the instructional coach with the aspiration of being an assistant principal.

Adriana Cruz

Board Member

My name is Adriana Cruz (not related to Anna Cruz but I like to think we are) and I am the Treasurer for Vancouver Ballet Folklórico. I was born in California and my parents are from Nayarit, Mexico. Being born in the USA made me feel a little bit "less" Mexican. There was that internal conflict and guilt growing up because I wasn't 100% of either country. The best I could do is embrace what each culture had to give me by learning and engaging in its traditions. I have two boys who are considered 3rd generation Mexican Americans. I don't want them to become distant from their Mexican heritage and that's why they are part of VBF. The fact that they are boys in a female dominant activity makes me feel even more proud we are part of this organization.​

By being a board member I show my dedication to not only this group but to the Latinx community and future generations that will carry on our roots and traditions through dance.

Adriana Govea

Board Member

Adriana Govea is proud to be a part of Vancouver Ballet Folklórico's Board because it is a safe space, it is educational, and it helps her to maintain her culture alive with her little ones.

Seeing how the younger generations enjoy learning about our culture fills her heart with joy!