Dance through DC
MORNING:
Don’t skip breakfast in this world-class food town. Set your alarm to early bird time and head over to La Tejana first thing in the morning. This Tex Mex eatery in Mount Pleasant has been attracting serious national buzz for some time. For their mouth watering breakfast tacos, you might find a line of people out the front door on any given day, but I promise: they’re worth it.
Breakfast Tacos, La Tejana
This puts you right in the heart of one of my favorite neighborhoods: Mount Pleasant. This diverse, dynamic and distinct area boasts its own Main Street lined with beautiful historic row houses and bustling restaurants. A central hub for DC.’s expanding Latino American community, it’s where you’ll find the Mexican Cultural Institute (MCI). This historic building originally designed as a Beaux Arts mansion once housed the Mexican Embassy. It’s open to the public daily from 10-6pm for you to tour the building, browse any of their rotating exhibits, or attend their timely events.
Artwork Name, MCI
AFTERNOON:
I’m not just saying this as an academic and a cultural historian: no visit to the capital is complete without checking out the Smithsonian Institute. The Smithsonian encompasses 21 museums, 14 educational and research centers, including the National Zoo, making it the world’s largest educational, historical, and research complex. In 2020, Congress created the National Museum of the American Latino, which will be completed in the upcoming years. But until then, visitors can immerse themselves in Latino heritage and culture at the temporary exhibition space in the National Museum of American History.
Exhibit, National Museum of American History
After strolling the National Mall and working up an appetite, head over to Mount Vernon to enjoy lunch at dLeña, a Michelin-recognized modern Mexican eatery. Known for its focus on “leña,” or wood-fired cooking, dLeña infuses a distinctive smoky flavor in everything from the crab in their decadent guacamole to the hearty entrees on their omnivore-friendly menu.
dLeña, Wood-Fire Mexican Cocina
EVENING:
Head to Foggy Bottom to visit George Washington University's main campus, which has been standing since 1821. Soak up the energy of tomorrow’s leaders on a stroll around Kogan Plaza. Photos under the iconic gazebo are mandatory. Once the sun sets, it’s time to dance.
Check the schedule for the Corazon Folklorico Dance Company, hosting regular workshops and performances featuring traditional Ballet Folklorico. Their stellar company has performed all over DC and holds an annual residency at the Kennedy Center.
Gala Hispanic Theater
By now, you’re likely ready for a meal. Polish off the busy day with some of the best El Salvadorian food east of the Southwestern U.S at Haydee’s Restaurant, known for their authentic cuisine and fun live events. Grab a nightcap at La Tejana’s cocktail bar, open from Wednesday to Saturday. What a way to bring the day full circle!
DJ Night at Haydees
About Manuel R. Cuellar
Manuel R. Cuellar has been living in DC since 2017. He’s an Associate Professor of Spanish Literature at George Washington University , he’s an expert on Mexican literary and cultural studies. Manuel has over three decades of dance experience and is currently part of DC Corazon Folklorico Dance Company. He is the author of Choreographing Mexico: Festive Performances and Dancing Histories of a Nation (UT Press 2022) and spends much of his non-dancing time at the Mexican Cultural Institute and the GALA Hispanic Theater.
Gala Hispanic Theater
