Culturethat healsculture that unites · culture that teaches
Carnaval Academy uses Colombian folklore —its five regions— as a tool for mental health, identity and pride among Latino children and youth in Utah.
When
Tuesdays · 6:00 p.m.
One class per week. More schedules opening soon.
Monthly tuition
$50 per month
Sliding-scale scholarships available: if cost is a barrier, reach out.
Where
Taylorsville, Utah
We share the exact address once you contact us.
Questions or want to save a spot? Call or text us:
(801) 678-7683More than dance: mental health and identity
Carnaval Academy — Folklore and Art is a mental health and cultural identity organization for Latino children and youth in Utah, using Colombian folklore, music and art as a tool for healing and belonging.
Nearly half of Latina youth in Utah report persistent sadness or hopelessness. A strong cultural identity is a factor research links to lower risk of depression, school dropout and youth violence. In every class, kids and families find roots, community and pride —and a safe place where they are treated with respect and dedication.
Identity that protects
Reconnecting with cultural roots is a protective factor research links to better mental health for Latino children and youth.
The five regions of Colombia
Caribbean, Pacific, Andean, Llanera and Amazonian: a program that spans all five regions of Colombian folklore, not just the Caribbean.
Community and family
Programs for children, youth and families, with sliding-scale scholarships so cost is never a barrier.
“We use Colombian folklore so our Latino children and youth can grow up healthy, proud and connected to their roots.”
Culture as a protective factor
The mental health of Latino children and youth in Utah is in crisis. Folklore is not just art: it is a tool for prevention.
of Latina youth in Utah report persistent sadness or hopelessness
a strong cultural identity against depression, dropout and violence
sliding-scale, so cost is not a barrier
When a girl dances the roots of her people, she stops feeling alone. Carnaval Academy turns Colombian folklore into a safe space of identity, belonging and pride —the factors evidence links to less depression and better school performance.
Source: Utah Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2023 (Utah DHHS): 49.3% of Hispanic/Latina female students.
The folklore of five regions
We teach dance, music and art from every region of Colombia. These are our classes today —and the ones coming next.
Coming soon:Bambuco (Andean region) · Joropo (Llanera region) · Amazonian Dances (Amazonian region) · Currulao (Pacific region)
Invest in a healthier generation
Your gift sustains identity and mental-health programs for Latino children and youth in Utah.
See in one minute what we do and why your gift matters. Donations are received through Zeffy and reach the academy in full.
The video loads from YouTube only when you tap it.
Recent videos
Performances and moments from the academy and our cultural ally. It updates on its own when a new video goes up.
Carnaval de Barranquilla en Utah
Carnaval de Barranquilla en Utah brings the celebration of the Colombian Caribbean to stages across Utah. We share the stage, the tradition and the community: they are our cultural ally.
Carnaval Academy is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations made on this site support the academy and its programs.
Posts load from Instagram only when you tap.