About Us

The Westchester Lariats is a nonprofit, educational youth international dance troupe chartered by the State of California and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Westchester Lariats is a unique group offering growth opportunities to young people unmatched by other organizations. Youngsters from 5th through 12th grade develop poise, self-confidence, and physical coordination as they gain insight into dance forms and other cultures. While perfecting a variety of dance skills, students also learn how to perform before audiences under a wide range of circumstances.


The Lariat repertoire includes folk dances from the British Isles, Europe, Israel, Mexico, Polynesia, Hawaii and American folk, vintage, social and fad dances.  Colorful costumes of the represented countries contribute to the theatrical atmosphere of a Lariat performance. The dances are supported by taped renditions of classic and familiar songs. In Southern California, the Lariats perform at local schools, senior centers, community and civic events as well as annual performances at Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland. If you are interested in booking a show or finding out when their next performance is, please see “Shows”.


Each year since 1957, the Westchester Lariats has traveled to all parts of North America, Europe and Australia on goodwill tours to perform for many different audiences. These summer tours help to expand the students’ appreciation for the dances they perform and for the regions of the world where the dances originate.

In addition to the performing group, the Westchester Lariats organization offers dance classes to youngsters from kindergarten through 8th grades Monday afternoons. Dancers from these classes are invited to join the performing Lariat troupe after they have completed 4th grade and at least one  year of classes. Please see “Classes” section for more information and the current schedule.