​The World Itotia Festival is an international celebration of dance held in Los Angeles that brings together artists, cultural organizations, and communities from around the world. The word “Itotia” means dance in Nahuatl, the widely spoken language of ancient Mexico—symbolizing the deep cultural roots and universal power of movement.

Held annually in Southern California, the festival showcases traditional and contemporary dance forms from across the globe, creating a vibrant platform where cultures meet, stories are shared, and communities connect through the performing arts.

World Itotia Festival brings together dance companies, youth groups, cultural institutions, businesses, media, and international visitors to celebrate the richness and diversity of world dance. As the festival continues to grow, it offers performers, sponsors, and community partners a unique opportunity to gain visibility while supporting a meaningful cultural initiative that promotes unity through the arts. 

At its heart, the festival celebrates the belief that dance can transcend borders, overcome division, and bring people together—weaving artists from the many cultures that form the vibrant mosaic of America.

 

OUR PURPOSE

World Itotia Festival is designed to support artistic collaboration and cultural exchange.

• Provide opportunities for dancers, choreographers, and directors to learn, collaborate, and network
• Offer Southern California communities exposure to diverse world dance traditions
• Inspire the next generation of artists through educational workshops and performances
• Build bridges between artists, cultural organizations, and audiences

 

OUR MISSION

The mission of World Itotia Festival is to create a dynamic international dance gathering that:

• Attracts audiences and artists from across Southern California and beyond
• Provides a professional platform for dance companies to showcase their work
• Strengthens a growing community of international dancers and cultural ambassadors
• Welcomes visiting artists from around the world to experience the beauty and diversity of the United States through cultural exchange

 

OUR HISTORY

World Itotia Festival is presented by Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo (BFFM), a nonprofit dance organization founded in 1994 dedicated to preserving and sharing the richness of Mexican culture through dance and music.

Based in Southern California, the company is recognized for its authentic costumes, vibrant choreography, and commitment to cultural education. BFFM has performed at major international festivals and received prestigious honors, including the Grand Prix Award at the International Festival of Folklore, Dance and Music in Paris and awards for choreography and ensemble performance at international festivals. 

Inspired by their experiences performing around the world, BFFM created the World Itotia Festival to bring the same spirit of global cultural exchange to Southern California.

 

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Members of Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo have represented the United States at major international festivals, including:

• Beijing International Tourism Festival – Beijing, China
• International Festival of Folklore, Dance & Music – Paris, France (Grand Prix Award)
• Costa Brava Folk Festival – Lloret de Mar, Spain
• International Folkloric Festival – Bracciano, Italy
• Cultural Festival – Santiago, Chile

These international exchanges have connected BFFM with master teachers, cultural ambassadors, and artists from around the world—experiences that directly inspired the creation of the World Itotia Festival.

 

COMMUNITY & CULTURAL PARTNERS

World Itotia Festival is made possible through collaborations with cultural institutions, civic partners, and community organizations including:

• Santa Monica College – Dance Department & Core Performance Center
• City of Santa Monica – Art of Recovery Initiative
• Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. – 3rd Street Promenade
• Plaza de Cultura y Artes
• UCLA Health – Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture

Additional community supporters and collaborators include Los Altos Records, Angelo Events, Sprouts Farmers Market, Smart & Final, and Molcajete Dominguero, among others.

Through these partnerships, the festival continues to expand opportunities for arts education, cultural dialogue, and community engagement.

 

WHY PARTICIPATE

For Dance Companies

World Itotia Festival provides a platform to:

• Perform before diverse audiences in Southern California
• Connect with international artists and choreographers
• Participate in professional workshops and cultural exchange
• Share your cultural heritage on a global stage

​

Fill  Out Application

​

For Sponsors & Community Partners

Supporting World Itotia Festival offers organizations the opportunity to:

• Align with a growing international cultural festival
• Demonstrate commitment to arts, education, and community development
• Engage with diverse audiences and cultural leaders
• Increase brand visibility through performances, media, and community programming

​

For more information on sponsorship opportunities contact Raquel Ramirez at: raquelbffm@gmail.com

​

2026 FESTIVAL PROGRAM

 

AUGUST 14, 2026

Welcome & World Dance Workshops
📍 Santa Monica College – Core Performance Center

A day of educational workshops and master classes led by professional dancers and choreographers representing dance traditions from around the world.

 

AUGUST 15, 2026

International Theater Performance
📍 The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage – Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center

A premier evening performance featuring guest dance companies and international artists in a world-class theater setting.

 

AUGUST 16, 2026

Community Celebration of World Dance

Past locations have included:
• Downtown Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade
• Plaza de Cultura y Artes

This outdoor event invites the public to experience free performances, cultural presentations, and vibrant community engagement through the arts, attracting hundreds of visitors and steady foot traffic throughout the day.

​

✨ Estimated Participation:
200–230 dancers from Southern California, as well as national and international dance companies.