About Our Director

Mr. Ramón Silva Ruelas founded Tonatiuh-“Danzantes del Quinto Sol” in 1992. Mr. Silva has extensive teaching experience and has been directing dance groups since 1980. He has a Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance with an emphasis in teaching and administration. His extensive research is transmitted to the dancers allowing the group to perform authentic, but yet artistic Mexican Folk Dance.
Mr. Silva has always kept himself very busy, not only teaching dance for Alisal High and his dance group, but also training and coaching his dancers to teach dance in local schools.  Not only has he kept his membership with the national and state Folklorico dance organizations, but has been a board member of both and has been a conference director of  “ Danzantes Unidos”. 
For the last 17 years Mr. Silva also participates in the conferences of 2 Mexican National Dance associations in a consistent basis. These organizations study and research Mexican Folk Dance.  On his own and with the organization Mr. Silva has visited and in many cases researched and studied the folk dances of all 31 states of Mexico.  All of his knowledge, experience and expertise are brought back to Salinas to share with his students. In 2018 Mr. Silva was selected as the volunteer champion of the arts in Monterey County.