VCI Culture: A Vibrant Bridge of Heritage and Integration
The "Culture" project stands as a fundamental pillar of the Venezuelan Community in Ireland (VCI), dedicated to the strategic promotion of Venezuelan identity, values, and artistic expression. This initiative serves as a living bridge between our homeland and our new home in Ireland, ensuring that the "gentilicio" — our unique cultural spirit — remains vibrant across borders. Central to this mission are two flagship groups: Venezuelan Roots, established in 2017 as our primary cultural ambassador, and the newly launched 5678 We Dance, which debuted in 2025 as a vital component of the Venezuelan Kids Ireland (VKI) program.
Under the passionate leadership of Director and "La Profesora" Karelys Torres, these groups represent the past, present, and future of our community. While Venezuelan Roots preserves the intricate folklore and traditional movements of our ancestors, 5678 We Dance focuses on children aged 5 to 16. By blending pre-ballet and contemporary styles with traditional rhythms, Profesora Torres fosters a resilient sense of identity in the next generation, proving that heritage can successfully thrive and evolve within a multicultural environment.
A crowning achievement of the Culture project is VCI’s consistent participation in the St. Patrick’s Festival. For over five consecutive years, our dancers have graced this prestigious international stage, most notably at St. Stephen’s Green and the iconic Dublin parade. These performances, alongside masterclasses and collaborative events like the "Latin American Christmas: All Together," showcase the richness of Venezuelan music, attire, and soul to the broader Irish society. By facilitating these high-level artistic displays, VCI not only celebrates our roots but also strengthens the bonds of social inclusion and unity. We are more than a diaspora; through dance and community engagement, we are building a thriving, integrated future where our traditions are cherished and passed down for generations to come.
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The Venezuelan Roots: A Cultural Bridge Through Dance
Established in 2017 as the cultural arm of the Venezuelan Community in Ireland (VCI), Venezuelan Roots (VR) has evolved into a premier cultural ambassador within the Irish multicultural landscape. Launched by the first Latin American charity in Ireland, this initiative aims to foster integration by sharing the vibrant "gentilicio" and spirit of Venezuela. The group’s primary mission is to preserve and promote Venezuelan traditions, values, and folklore through dance, creating a powerful sense of belonging for the diaspora while enriching Ireland’s social fabric.
Leadership and Strategic Transition
The success of this project is rooted in a legacy of dedicated leadership. We recognize the immense impact of the vision led by Pablo Rojas and now Karelys Torres. Their guidance has been a cornerstone of our presence in Ireland, inspiring many to share the soul of Venezuela with the world. As the group enters a new chapter of artistic growth under the direction of "La Profesora" Karelys Torres, it builds upon the solid foundation laid by Pablo to ensure Venezuelan culture continues to resonate across Dublin and beyond.
Key Achievements and Community Impact
A defining milestone for Venezuelan Roots is its legacy of representing heritage on Ireland's grandest stages. Following five consecutive years of participation in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the 2025 edition served as a unique moment of community spirit. VCI extends heartfelt thanks to the Dublin City Council and the wider community for making the 2025 festivities a resounding success.
We particularly recognize Karelys Torres for her incredible work in uniting our Venezuelan community members. Although the Venezuelan Roots dance group did not participate as a formal contingent this year, the warmth and inclusive spirit of the city were deeply felt. This ongoing support reinforces the dedication and high-level artistry our members provide through their regular rehearsals and commitment to cultural excellence.
5678 We Dance: Empowering the Next Generation of Culture
Launched in 2025 through the visionary leadership of its Director, "La Profesora" Karelys Torres, in close collaboration with the Venezuelan Community in Ireland (VCI), 5678 We Dance has rapidly become a vital cultural heartbeat for the youth of the diaspora. This project is proudly supported by the Venezuelan Kids Ireland (VKI) program, serving as a core pillar of VCI’s strategy to foster integration and cultural identity. Designed for children and teenagers aged 5 to 16, the academy provides a nurturing space where heritage and modern expression coexist, anchoring young Venezuelans raised in Ireland to their ancestral roots.
A Year of Foundational Achievements
Since its inception, 5678 We Dance has achieved remarkable milestones in community engagement and artistic performance. A standout success was the 2025 Master Class series, where students demonstrated extraordinary growth in technique and cultural pride under the guidance of Profesora Torres. This momentum culminated in their participation in the "Latin American Christmas: All Together" gala. On this grand stage, the young dancers performed unique choreographies blending pre-ballet and contemporary styles with traditional Venezuelan rhythms. These performances have not only delighted audiences but have also strengthened the bonds between parents, guardians, and the VCI, proving that our "gentilicio" is being successfully passed to the next generation.
Future Projection and Vision
The road ahead for 5678 We Dance is focused on expansion and educational depth. As the group moves forward, the projection includes formalizing a curriculum that uses dance as a tool for social integration and identity preservation. With the continued backing of VCI and the VKI program, the goal is to increase the group's visibility in multicultural festivals across Ireland. By fostering confidence and a sense of belonging, 5678 We Dance is not just teaching steps; it is building a resilient, bicultural future for Venezuelan-Irish youth, ensuring our traditions continue to dance forward for years to come
