About us

The Monarka Experience, Mexican Traditions Alive in Poland

We are Mexican Folklore dancing and singing performers living in Warsaw, Poland, passionate about sharing the richness of Mexican culture through its dances, music, and traditional crafts. With the help of our Main Patron The Mexican Embasy in Poland.

We believe it is essential to preserve our Mexican traditions: from the pre-Hispanic dances that honored the gods of the many cultures that flourished in the land now known as Mexico, to the regional rhythms recognized around the world today. We pay special attention to the so-called National Traditional Dances from the Mestizo period, when, after the conquest of New Spain, independence, and revolution, Mexican authorities promoted these dances to foster a sense of national identity. These dances embody the vibrant syncretism that arose from centuries of cultural exchange and change.

We offer entertainment for Latin-themed events and karaoke parties anywhere in Poland. We also provide both online and in-person lessons so that everyone in Poland can experience and learn the beauty of Mexican dance and crafts.

Mision

To share Mexican culture through its music, dances, and crafts, spreading our joy and preserving our traditions far from home.

Vision

To become a reference for Mexican culture in Poland and beyond, not only entertaining but also educating at every event, with every dancer, and through every project.

Values

Passion in every project, discipline and commitment in both group and individual work, trust in every collaborator, mutual support, and a balance between learning and teaching.

Dani Monarka: A Life in Motion

Daniela Castillo is a Mexican artist, dancer, and singer who has been living (and dancing!) in Poland since 2019. Upon arriving, she founded the Mexican folkloric dance group Monarka Mex Folk—because if you’re going to move to another continent, you might as well bring the fiesta with you!

She studied Graphic Communication Design with an editorial focus at the UAM-X. She also completed training in Digital Marketing and Social Media Management at Hub-Camp, and is a certified Mexican folkloric dance teacher by the CMD. Along the way, she won a couple of internal competitions, which led to recommendations and opportunities with institutions like Pemex, Grupo Reforma, and MSD. (Who says you can’t juggle everything at once?)

Her athletic side is equally unstoppable: high-performance synchronized swimming at the AOFM Olympic Pool, competing nationally; high-level swimming at UNAM during high school and her first year of university; and flag football with UNAM, Cherokees, Hornets, and Vaqueras—winning an international women’s championship IWFFA. (Yes, she can tackle and twirl.)

Dani was also part of the UAM-X Choir as a student. She danced for ten years with the folkloric group Nikté Há in Mexico City, performing in local events, public and private shows, and patron saint festivals all over town.

She founded Monarka in 2019 to proudly represent Mexican culture with the help of anyone who shares her mission, vision, and values. Thanks to the support of collaborators like the Mexican Embassy in Poland, Isabel Balderas from Santa Catrina, dozens of partners, and above all, the audience, Monarka continues to grow and transform, offering more and better services—because Daniela simply doesn’t know how to stand still.

Biography by Dana (/Danaus/Monarca butterfly), Dani's AI asistant. Based on facts