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Open house set to unveil new home for Mexican dance group in Flint

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 8:41 GMT by MLive
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Flint Welcomes a New Cultural Hub: Open House Unveils Dedicated Home for Mexican Dance Group

By [Your Name] – Flint, MI – September 20, 2025

Flint’s vibrant arts scene is poised for a new chapter as the city hosted an open‑house event yesterday to unveil a brand‑new home for one of its most beloved cultural institutions: the Mexican Dance Group of Flint (MDGF). The celebration, held at the recently renovated 2‑story brick building on 7th Avenue, marked a momentous milestone for the dance company, community leaders, and a city that has long championed cultural diversity.

A Legacy of Dance and Community

Founded in 2009 by passionate choreographer and cultural advocate María‑Luz Rodríguez, the Mexican Dance Group has become a cornerstone of Flint’s cultural landscape. Over the past sixteen years, MDGF has performed more than 200 shows, hosted workshops for over 1,500 students, and toured nationally, bringing authentic Mexican folk, contemporary, and fusion dance to audiences in Detroit, Chicago, and beyond. The group’s mission, as Rodríguez has explained, is “to preserve, share, and evolve our heritage through movement while empowering young people to embrace their roots and build confidence through the arts.”

In the past decade, MDGF has faced a recurring challenge: a lack of stable, accessible space for rehearsals, classes, and performances. “We used to rent various community centers, churches, and even a vacant warehouse,” Rodríguez recounted. “We never had a permanent place where we could truly build our community.” That changed on Thursday as the group and the City of Flint turned the keys to a purpose‑built facility.

The New Facility: A Space Designed for Dance

The new home, named the “Casa de la Danza” (Dance House), sits on a 3,000‑square‑foot lot and boasts a 4,000‑square‑foot studio, a 200‑seat theater, a costume storage wing, and an outdoor courtyard. Designed by local architectural firm, Rivera & Associates, the building incorporates traditional Mexican motifs—zinc balconies, patterned tiles, and vibrant murals—while meeting modern performance standards.

“Designing a space that respects the cultural aesthetic while meeting safety and acoustics standards was a collaborative process,” said project lead architect Luis Rivera. “We worked closely with MDGF to ensure every corner supports their choreography needs.” The theater’s stage is 30 feet wide and 15 feet deep, with adjustable lighting rigs and a built‑in sound system. Behind the stage, a set of portable mirrors and a sprung‑floor dance studio allow the group to practice in optimal conditions. The building also includes a small office, a rehearsal room for children’s classes, and a multi‑purpose room that can host community events or private parties.

Community Support and Government Partnerships

The Casa de la Danza is the result of a partnership between the City of Flint, the Flint Cultural Council, and the Michigan Arts Council. Mayor Susan K. Brown, who opened the ceremony, emphasized the importance of the arts for economic revitalization and community healing. “Investing in cultural infrastructure like the Casa de la Danza not only supports the artistic community but also stimulates local businesses and creates opportunities for job growth,” she said. Mayor Brown also acknowledged the role of the Flint Community Development Corporation (FCDC), which secured a $2.3 million grant from the Michigan Development Fund to cover renovations.

The project also benefitted from the generous support of private donors, including the local real estate firm, Taylor & Associates, and the philanthropic foundation, the G. S. Miller Fund, which together contributed a matching fund to cover the final construction phase.

The Open House: A Celebration of Culture and Community

The open‑house event attracted more than 500 attendees, ranging from local government officials and cultural leaders to families of MDGF dancers and residents who had long admired the group’s performances. Highlights of the event included a guided tour of the Casa de la Danza, a live demonstration of traditional Mexican folk dance, and a preview of the first season’s lineup, featuring a performance of the group’s signature piece, “El Viento de la Costa.”

“The energy in this room is incredible,” Rodríguez told reporters after the tour. “Seeing people from all walks of life—high school students, retirees, parents—come together to celebrate the arts is exactly what we envisioned when we founded the group.”

During the ceremony, the city unveiled a commemorative plaque honoring the cultural significance of the Casa de la Danza. In a touching moment, a young MDGF student, 10-year‑old Ana Torres, presented the plaque to the mayor. Torres said, “I’ve always loved dancing, and now we have a real place to practice and share with everyone.”

Future Plans and Community Impact

With its new home, MDGF plans to expand its offerings. “We’ll increase our school outreach programs, host more community dance nights, and introduce a new dance scholarship fund for underprivileged youth,” Rodríguez announced. She also teased an upcoming collaboration with the Flint Symphony, slated for the fall season. “Blending music and dance in a live, interactive format is something we’ve dreamed about for years, and the Casa de la Danza provides the perfect backdrop.”

The Flint Cultural Council also highlighted the broader community benefits. “Art spaces like the Casa de la Danza serve as catalysts for community cohesion,” said Council Director, Carlos Gutierrez. “They provide a safe, inclusive environment where people can celebrate their heritage, learn new skills, and connect across cultural lines.”

In addition to dance, the facility will accommodate other performing arts groups. A local theater troupe, the Flint Shakespeare Company, has already scheduled a residency, and a visual arts collective plans to use the outdoor courtyard for an annual mural festival.

An Enduring Legacy

The Casa de la Danza stands as a testament to Flint’s resilience and cultural diversity. As the city continues to rebuild and reinvent itself, the new dance home underscores a commitment to the arts as a vital component of community life. With its doors open to everyone, the Casa de la Danza promises to be a hub of creativity, education, and celebration—one that honors the past while inspiring the future.

The first performance, “El Viento de la Costa,” is scheduled for October 10, 2025, and tickets are available through the MDGF website and at the Casa de la Danza box office. For more information about upcoming events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.mdflin.com or call 555‑123‑4567.

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