The Maru Montero Dance Company, founded by former Ballet Folklorico de Mexico lead dancer Maru Montero in 1992, is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to promoting the joy and beauty of Latin culture in the United States. From humble beginnings in church basements and school gymnasiums, the Company has grown into the premier Latin dance company in the Washington, D.C. area. Although its roots are in Mexican folk dance, the company also performs modern Latin dance, including mambo, cha cha, and salsa as well as dances from many other Latin American and the Caribbean countries.