For more information: 
Mexico: 
011 52 415 152-8900
U.S.:  (202)391-0004
Office:
Carly Cross   BC-2323
9902 Crystal Ct. #107
Laredo, TX  78045
carly@gomexart.com

Dance:   The focus of MexArt DANCE is equally on Dance, Spanish, and Cultural Immersion. This is accomplished by living in a picturesque, colonial Mexican town, taking Spanish language classes, practicing language skills by living in Mexican society, giving to the community by teaching dance classes to local children, and studying dance with professionals. MexArt Dance is open to students finishing the 8th - 11th grades.

Students take 3 hours of dance in the morning. Following lunch, 2-3 times per week, there is the opportunity for more dance or to take an art class. The other afternoons, students will TEACH dance to underprivileged Mexican children as a community service project. Conversational Spanish classes are taken 2 hours daily in the afternoons with the art students.

The emphasis of the dance program is on jazz, modern, hip hop with some ballet. Fun workshops in Latin dance, salsa, belly dancing, and other specialties popular in this area of Mexico are offered frequently to spice up the program. A final performance open to the public showcases the students’ work.  Students should enjoy dance and should have taken classes previously. Dance teachers are professional adults.

SPANISH:  MexArt is open to individuals at the beginner Spanish level through advanced levels. Conversational Spanish classes are taught to all participants at every level.  Classes are held two hours per day, five days a week. Classes are fun!  Students practice their skills in the streets, in the artisans' market, in the main square, at the corner grocery store and through playing games. Teaching is in a non-competitive atmosphere and is geared to the individual. Teachers are bi-lingual and extremely experienced in teaching Spanish to Americans.

THE SCHEDULE:

Left: Mexican children dance class, a community service project taught by MexArt students.   Right: Dance Show

Breakfast            8:15 Dance                  9 - 12 Lunch                  12:30 Dance Elective         2-4 Spanish                 5-7 Dinner                  7:30 Evening Program 8:30

Day Trips: While in this beautiful foreign  culture, opportunities for side trips abound and are organized on weekends. This component adds diversity and fun to the program. Participants may choose to visit hot springs, go horseback riding in the mountains, be a guest in a brick-making village where an old man and his family make pottery that is on display in the Smithsonian, travel to Guanajuato, hike in the mountains or botanical gardens, and much more.  One weekend we visit the town of Dolores Hidalgo where hundreds of small factories produce colorful Mexican pottery. Here there's a tour of a production site and participants can shop. For $2-$3 one can bring home fabulous gifts for family and friends. Other options include a visit to the ghost town of Pozos, was famous for its silver mines. 

Throughout the month participants integrate into the community of San Miguel and eat at local restaurants, sit in the jardin, can attend yoga or aerobics classes and explore the many options San Miguel has to offer its visitors.

Evening Activities: The evening activity is an integral part of the MexArt program and varies according to what is happening in San Miguel. After lunch a short meeting is held to cover announcements and to organize upcoming events. The evening activities are discussed and a meeting place is agreed upon. Some evening activities take place in public places with Mexicans, Americans and tourists. These include concerts, theater, dance performances and art openings. Other activities are just for MexArt participants and staff such as poetry slams, talent shows, coffee houses or the occasional movie.