Cantera hosts 3rd Annual Cultural and Dance Festival

On Sunday, October 17^th, Cantera's dance program organized, hosted, and performed in the 3^rd Annual Cultural and Dance Festival, with the slogan, “Three years of galas and we continue leaving footprints on our culture. ” Dance performances ranged from traditional folklore to breakdance, including salsa, hip hop, and traditional dances from the Atlantic Coast, which have strong Caribbean and garifuna influences and roots. All of Cantera's dance groups as well as other local dance groups performed to a full audience in Ciudad Sandino's main plaza.

Cantera's dance program is run by Gema Gonzales, 30, who offers dance classes to children, teens, and adults, along with dance teachers Ali Calero, 21, and Marlon Saenz, 20. All three dance teachers began their dance careers at Cantera, learning at early ages and growing with the Cantera programs to begin their own dance groups. Cantera's dance program is rooted in Nicaraguan culture through the art of dance as well as promoting values like self-esteem, gender equality, and non-violent communication.