Programs
Grassroots cultural programs led by community artists
Ñuuxakun – Mexican Folklore Dance Program
Led by Andrea Garcias Espinal
- •Folkloric Dance Classes & Cultural Workshops
- •Ages 5 and up
Ñuuxakun is a community dance group dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating Mexico's cultural traditions through folkloric dance. Each week, participants receive technical training in footwork and body technique, explore the history and cultural context of each region, and learn the creation and care of traditional costumes. The group performs regularly at events across Philadelphia.
Classes are taught in Spanish and primarily tailored to Hispanic families, but enrollment is open to all.
Philly ¡Pa' Arriba! – Rueda de Casino
Led by Lana Corrales & Lydia Morrison
- •Cuban salsa Dance classes
- •Youth and Adults
- •Classes taught in Spanish, but enrollment is open to all
Philly ¡Pa' Arriba! brings Rueda de Casino, also known as Cuban salsa, to Philadelphia for all to dance and enjoy! Rooted in rich Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms, the dance brings people together in a circle of constantly rotating partners, with high-energy calls that create a whirlwind of rhythm, laughter, and connection. Classes welcome all levels; whether you are stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or have been dancing for years, you are welcome in our circle.
Classes are held every Thursday with bilingual instruction (Spanish/English) and open to the general community.
Music Workshops
Led by Aurelio Fernandez
- •Choir Lessons - Ages 5 and up
- •Guitar Lessons – Youth ages 12-18
Community music workshops offering choir classes for kids 5 and up and guitar lessons for youth ages 12 -18. Our goal is to build a rondalla, a traditional Latin American string ensemble where musicians come together to play classical and folk music.
Classes taught in Spanish, but enrollment is open to all.
Language Exchange
Led by Alma Figueroa-González
- •Coversational English/Spanish Practice
- •Adults
A program that matches Spanish and English speakers in weekly conversation-based sessions. Designed to reduce language barriers and encourage cross cultural connections, this program creates intentional spaces for immigrant newcomers and established residents to learn with and from one another.
Special Events & Workshops
Alianza offers workshops designed to remain responsive to community needs.
Emergency Family Preparedness
Led by Alma Figueroa González
Alianza Monarca offers free community workshops to help families in South Philadelphia with emergency preparedness.
During each workshop, we provide a Parental Power of Attorney (POA), a legal document that designates a trusted person to care for a minor child when the parent or guardian is temporarily unable to do so. The POA gives the Agent the authority to temporarily manage responsibilities such as medical care, school enrollment, and daily supervision of the named child. Our team walks participants through every section of the document in plain language, answers questions, and provides a certified notary on-site so families leave with a completed, legally valid document at no cost.
Workshops are held at various locations; dates and locations are announced as they are scheduled.
CPR training in collaboration with The Mobile CPR Project
Led by Aurelio Fernandez
In partnership with The Mobile CPR Project, a Penn Medicine initiative, Alianza Monarca brings free hands-on CPR training directly to the South Philadelphia Hispanic community.
Participants learn to recognize cardiac arrest and perform hands-only CPR using training mannequins brought on-site, with a bilingual interpreter so the full class is accessible in Spanish. No prior experience is required, and all training is provided at no cost.
Workshops are held at various locations based on community needs; dates and locations are announced as they are scheduled.