Garfield High’s Aztec dance class saved after facing closure due to budget cuts

When Diego Morales started his senior year at Garfield High School, he was offered the option to take ethnic studies or Aztec dance. While he wasn’t very determined  to take a dance class, he thought it was better than writing papers.

Nearly a year later, Morales said this is one of the best decisions he took. 

“I learned a lot about my culture and as a Mexican. I feel so much more connected to it now, and it's something I love,” said Morales, whose parents are from Puebla, Mexico.

Morales, along with other 16 students, are part of Danza Mexica, the Aztec dance class at East L.A.’s Garfield High School, part of the cultural performing arts program led by teacher Erica Huerta. However, as students and teachers were preparing for final exams a few days ago, they learned the program was at risk of disappearing due to budget cuts and Huerta would be left without a job.

While Morales is graduating soon, he didn’t hesitate to advocate for the program, knowing that future generations will benefit as much as he did. He wanted to make sure he could help others find a second family, as he did in the group.

“I've never really advocated like that before, but you know that experience taught me a lot about never staying silent when it comes to issues like that, like if you love something you should always fight for it,” he said.

And the advocacy, in person and through social media by hundreds of supporters, paid off. LAUSD notified the school the program is staying.

Huerta said she is extremely grateful to see the amount of community support from parents, community members, local organizations, fellow union members and past and current students. 

“I’m glad Garfield High and the local district did the right thing to save this cultural arts program,” she said. “As our communities continue to face attacks, we need to stay vigilant to protect ethnic studies, the arts, and culturally relevant programs in our district.”

Supporting the cultural program

In a May 16 letter addressed to LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and school district regional director,Dr. Carlos Montes,, representatives of the Social Studies Department at Garfield  highlighted that Aztec dance is not just another extracurricular activity, but a living embodiment of cultural heritage and a powerful tool for student engagement. 

“Research shows that cultural activities in schools enhance students’ educational experiences, build confidence and foster a sense of identity and belonging,” states the letter. 

Ethnic Studies teacher, Jasmin Gonzalez, said that at Garfield, several programs and many classes have been cut already.

“Ethnic studies program got cut from nine to two in one year,” she said. 

They had already lost the folklorico dance program, which was taught by an expert instructor  who was moved to an after school program due to budget issues. 

The Chicano Studies class has been able to stay as part of the ethnic studies curriculum.  At one point it also was at risk of being removed and replaced by English, but there was strong advocacy that prevented it from happening. 

Gonzalez initially said the department advocated with school  principal Regina Marquez Martinez, but she told them she couldn’t do anything. 

“So we had to go above her. Now she says she's happy that Aztec dancing stayed,” said Gonzalez.

In response to the LAUSD decision, Dr. Rocio Rivas, LAUSD board member of District 2 which includes Garfield High School, said in a statement that as the lifeline of the Aztec dance group, Ms. Huerta brings passion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to her students. 

“Her leadership ensures that the group not only survives but thrives as a source of identity, empowerment and cultural continuity,” said Rivas. “Through her work, she instills values of discipline, respect, and pride—making a lasting impact on both the dancers and the broader school community.”