For over 20 years, Baila! Baila! Academy of the Arts has been teaching children
and adults one of the most recognized genres of dance in all of the world, Ballet 
Folklorico. Its rich cultural relevance and passion-filled regional display of color 
and grace provide a story about the history of Mexico in a way that is both 
beautiful and majestic. In 2012, Baila! Baila! will be performing at the London
Summer Olympic venues.
 
The academy’s mission has remained consistent: “To preserve our culture through 
education, awareness, and the arts.” As a result, many children and adults have 
received top-rate instruction in dance, voice, and drama by nationally recognized 
studio director, Israela Garcia. Her ability to connect with her students is not only 
artistically disciplined, but influential. Many students have sought refuge in the 
studio rather than face the harsh social and economic realities of their 
neighborhoods because Israela has provided a safe haven filled with compassion 
and opportunities that enrich the students’ lives.
 
Friends of Baila! Baila! Artists and Dancers (FOBBAD), a not for profit organization 
was established to support the performers of Baila! Baila! Academy of the Arts 
(Baila! Baila!). Baila! Baila! is a community based organization dedicated to the 
preservation of culture through education and public awareness. Since 1990, 
Baila! Baila! Academy of the Arts has offered classes in dance (Ballet Folklorico, 
Latin, Ballroom dance and Classical Ballet) throughout the Southwest. In addition 
to classes at the Academy, Baila! Baila! also provides classes through The 
University of New Mexico Continuing Education Division. Baila! Baila! is frequently 
contracted to perform for conventions, social events, private events and cultural 
celebrations, however, Baila! Baila! does donate several performances as benefits 
for charities, schools and community organizations. Baila! Baila! has provided 
outreach programs to the City of Albuquerque through their Public Housing 
Program and has provided workshops for colleges throughout New Mexico, Arizona 
and Colorado.
 
Baila! Baila! was selected to compete at The World Championships for Performing 
Arts in Hollywood, California in 1999 where they won the World Championship in 
the category of Dance. Baila! Baila! also performed at the 2000 Summer Olympics 
in Sydney, Australia. It is an honor that we were selected to represent the unique 
cultural richness of New Mexico. Reaching another milestone, Baila! Baila! competed 
in an international dance competition in Hawaii in June 2003, winning seven (7) 
first place awards. We also to traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico to participate in
workshops taught by the master instructors at the University of Guadalajara in the 
summer of 2005.
 
In July 2006, Baila! Baila! represented New Mexico in Las Vegas, Nevada for an 
international dance competition where they won Platinum and Gold awards as well 
as being one of five acts selected for a television spectacular of the event. Our 
last venture in the Summer of 2008 was a performance on board a Caribbean 
Cruise and a presentation at Disneyworld in Orlando. Last year, our students
attended a Regional competition in Phoenix and National competition in San 
Antonio where they received the Grand Champion award in the Starbound National 
Talent Competition.
 
Other accomplishments by this company include a performance at the prestigious 
Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1998, four previous performances at DisneyWorld’s 
Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center, exclusive appearance in the Pam Tillis country 
music video “Mi Vida Loca” among other recorded videos and commercials.
 
Many students at Baila! Baila! are unable to continue lessons and training due to 
financial reasons and there are countless others who contact the Academy in search 
of scholarship opportunities. The Academy has never had the resources to offer 
scholarships but is seeking methods to provide willing and dedicated students the 
opportunity to either continue their training or offering new students a chance at 
becoming a well-trained performer. We are anxious to be able to provide
opportunities to children who would like to pursue the arts. Students of the 
Academy have had opportunities that they never would have had otherwise.
 
By making your life healthier and your environment safer with the 
products from this website, you can help make the once-in-a-lifetime 
dream of performing in London for the 2012 Olympics possible for the 
dancers who will be proud to represent New Mexico’s multi-cultural 
character.