Ballet Folklórico is St. Edward’s University’s own multicultural dance group that brings the sights and sounds of Mexico’s traditional folklórico dances and songs to life.

The dance group consists of men and women, students ranging from beginning to advance levels of dance.

Junior Rebecca Rodriguez is a current member of the dance group and is very knowledgeable about the background of folklórico dances.

“Each of the 32 states of Mexico have their own specific traditional dance,” Rodriguez said.

“Our purpose as a group is to interpret these dances as best we can and promote cultural awareness through our dances.”

Ballet Folklórico is a student organization established in 2002. Since then, the group has performed numerous shows each year. Its main purpose is to preserve and show appreciation for the Mexican culture.

So far, the Ballet Folklórico has received first place in the Amusement Division of the Battle of the Flowers Parade in 2006 and 2007.  The group has also toured Mexico. Performances usually include the dances of Tamaulipas and Nayarit, where men demonstrate their bravery and ability to handle machetes. Additional dances include polka and schottische of Nuevo Leon, folk melodies of Veracruz, mariachi of Jalisco and the slower mariachi tempos of Puebla.

“I would say that audiences tend to get very excited during the shows — especially when we do more difficult steps, such as pinwheel turns or dancing with candles on our heads or when the men dance with machetes,” junior Naomi Broadway said.  “We feed off of the audience’s energy and excitement.”

Members of Ballet Folklórico practice their routines three times a week for two to three hours each day, and they are very proud of the hard work that they put into their shows.

“Being able to entertain people and bring about cultural awareness is a really rewarding experience,” Rodriguez said.

Catch Ballet Folklórico’s Second Annual Noche Folklórica 2009 on Nov. 3.  The event will take place in Mabee Ballroom and is $4 for students with a St. Edward’s ID.