Summary

Rescapetatiando Dance Studio founder Frank Ornelas discovered his passion for dance by watching ballets on PBS as a child, but could not afford classes. Ornelas now connects talented young Latino dancers in Phoenix, Arizona with sponsors who provide financial support to attend intensive dance classes at his studio. The dance style reflects the young dancers' culture while developing their physical, mental and emotional wellness.

This story was produced at the 2022 SRL Summer Academy by fellows Natalie Lett, Roberto Suarez, Marlo Brown, and Savanna Atstupenas. Support provided by Youth Media Producer Chris Schwalm and Production Assistant Jaylah Moore-Ross.

Five Facts

• Where is the dance studio described in this story located?
• What is the founder's main goal for this company?
• Why is the founder trying to transform dance?
• Who helps support the dancers financially?
• How has Frank Ornelas impacted these dancers' lives, according to the story?

Focus Questions

The founder of the studio interviewed in this story talks about how a lack of money made it more difficult for him to start in dance. What are ways that dance can be accessible to everyone?

Media literacy: Where would you go to find out more about Hispanic arts and culture in the United States?

For More

For more, check out this resource that outlines different kinds of Latin dance and their historic origins . You can watch more of one of those types in the video below. As a class, see if you can find examples of some of the other types!

Vivien Williams, rising senior at Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington, Virginia, and NewsHour Classroom intern, wrote this Daily News Lesson with editing by Luke Gerwe.

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