Lani Almanza-Marshall is the Director, Instructor, and Program Organizer for Ballet Folklorico Azatlan. She was a former dance member of the prestigious “Ballet Folklorico Mexicapan,” directed by Benjamin and Patricia Hernandez of Los Angeles. She was also the Co-Director of “Ballet Folklorico America,” a former youth dance group in Santa Fe Springs, California, which was founded and directed by Alex Vargas, also a former member of “Ballet Folklorico Mexicapan."

Lani has been giving Folklorico dance instruction for the past twenty-four years at various recreation centers and schools, and she continues to teach Folklorico using much of the experience instilled by her former directors and colleagues. As Director of Ballet Folklorico Azatlan, she artistically choreographs the dancers so that they glide from one point to another with fluid movements while turning and crossing in diagonals, verticals, or horizontal lines in perfect unison.

Lani loves her students and despite the disciplined regime that she requires
of them, she tells them often how much THEY inspire HER, and that “they make her world turn.”

Apart from dance, Lani has experience as a Management Analyst II with the City of Los Angeles and is the webmaster of this site.
Terri Galvan is the Co-Director of Ballet Folklorico Azatlan and she is also the Percussionist of the “Tambor” for the Concheros-Azteca region. Terri is the driving force behind the scenes in making things happen for the group. She’s artistic and ingenious in designing props and costumes, and is very detail oriented. In her regular employment, Terri is an Office Manager for a firm in Norwalk, California.

Juanita S. Lopez is the Folklorico Advisor to Ballet Folklorico Azatlan. “Juani,” as she is affectionately known, was also a former member of “Ballet Folklorico Mexicapan.” She is a Folklorico dance instructor and often works as an assistant to Benjamin Hernandez giving dance instruction at East Los Angeles College and at the South El Monte Community Center.
Ms. Liliana Martinez is the Group Announcer and dances with the group on special occasions. She has many years experience as a ballet dancer.

Ballet Folklorico Azatlan would be remiss if it did not mention the group assistants, Mrs. Dolores Salgado and Mrs. Maria Tavarez, whose help has been instrumental in making the group a great success. We are very grateful for their ideas, improvisations, and their dedication to the group.