Calpulli's teaching artist gets kids wearing the hats of the Dance of the Little Old Men, a four-century-old Indigenous dance, swirling Jalisco skirts to mariachi, fanning Guerrero handkerchiefs and circling the sombrero for El Jarabe Tapatío. Every dance comes with its backstory, so it plays as a quick lesson in Mexican culture as much as a class. If your kids love dress-up and music, this is CMOM's liveliest half hour of the weekend.
What to expect
Sessions run about 30 minutes in the museum's Inside Art space, twice in the late morning. A teaching artist demonstrates, hands out props like hats, skirts and handkerchiefs, and walks the group through simplified choreography for each dance. The rest of the museum, including the casita-painting makerspace, is open the same day.
Good to know
- CMOM is at 212 West 83rd Street; take the 1 train to 86th Street or the B/C to 81st Street.
- Admission covers all exhibits and daily public programs, and you can leave and re-enter the same day with a return sticker.
- Booking tickets online saves a little and reserves your entry.
- Listed for ages 5 and up; no dance experience needed.
- Props are part of the fun, so expect kids to want photos in costume.
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Common questions
Does the Calpulli workshop cost extra?
No. CMOM says admission includes all exhibits and daily public programs.
Which dances are taught?
Simplified versions of several Mexican dances, including the Dance of the Little Old Men, a Jalisco skirt dance to mariachi, a Guerrero handkerchief dance and El Jarabe Tapatío.
Who is Calpulli?
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company is a New York company that performs and teaches Mexican folk dance.
