It's been a busy summer for the Migrant Children's Folkloric Ballet. They've danced across La Salle County for various events in June and July. In July, they went across the state to Kankakee to dance at a Statewide Migrant Parent Workshop, where they were received with great enthusiasm.
Tonight, they will proudly perform in front of the Whistle Stop Restaurant in Downtown Mendota to help kick off the the annual Mendota Sweet Corn Fest. They will perform there again on Saturday. On Sunday they will dance during the parade beginning at 1:00 pm. They have decorated a float for the event as well.
Each performance will include traditional dances from Jalisco, the northern desert states (polkas), and Chiapas.
Not only has the group been busy travelling, performing, and rehearsing; but they are currently learning more dances. The new dances come from the Pacific state of Nayarit, the home state of our director Rosa Villa. Can't wait to see them!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Featured Dancer
Congratulations to Flor Salinas (pictured here in the striped shirt with her friend and fellow dancer Ashley) for her exemplary behavior! She is our first featured dancer.
Flor writes:
My name is Flor. I'm 11 years old. I'm going to be in 6th grade. I like dancing in the folkloric ballet because I'm learning traditional dances. My favorite dance is Jarabe Tapatio. It's a traditional dance I like because it's from the same place as my mom.
My favorite subject is math. I have 2 sisiters and 1 brother. They are all in the folkloric ballet. My parents thing it's a good thing I'm dancing. They're also proud of me being the best I can be.
Thanks Flor, and way to go! Keep up the great work!
Flor writes:
My name is Flor. I'm 11 years old. I'm going to be in 6th grade. I like dancing in the folkloric ballet because I'm learning traditional dances. My favorite dance is Jarabe Tapatio. It's a traditional dance I like because it's from the same place as my mom.
My favorite subject is math. I have 2 sisiters and 1 brother. They are all in the folkloric ballet. My parents thing it's a good thing I'm dancing. They're also proud of me being the best I can be.
Thanks Flor, and way to go! Keep up the great work!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Pictures from Lion Club Festival in Earlville 6/27/09
The top pictures feature the little ladies dancing in the style of the state of Chiapas, a tropical state in Mexico's south. The pictures below that show the older children dressed in their polka costumes. The costumes and music are characteristic of the Northern desert region.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
New bloggers on board
This week Rosa, Susana, and I have developed a system to reward good behavior during rehearsals and performances by featuring the children who demonstrate exemplary behavior as bloggers for the week. We're eager to get started this week, so check in for some posts from our dancers.
The group will also be travelling to Kankakee for the Statewide Parent Workshop hosted by Scott Wilhelm from the Illinois Migrant Council. All the dancers are excited to come and grateful for the opportunity. We're all looking forward to seeing everyone there!
The group will also be travelling to Kankakee for the Statewide Parent Workshop hosted by Scott Wilhelm from the Illinois Migrant Council. All the dancers are excited to come and grateful for the opportunity. We're all looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Performance Updates
Saturday our dancers performed for a community festival in Earlville, Illinois sponsored by the Earlville Lions Club, where they were invited to perform by Lions Club member Dick McConville. Despite the heat, the dancers enjoyed their performance and their visit to Earlville. Thanks to the Lions Club and the community of Earlville for having us!
Tonight the group is performing for the Migrant Education Summer School Program in Mendota, where many of the dancers are also students. They're excited to perform for their classmates and teachers tonight.
The next performance will be on July 11 in Kankakee for a statewide parent workshop sponsored by the Illinois Migrant Council. The dancers are already fired up for the event.
Tonight the group is performing for the Migrant Education Summer School Program in Mendota, where many of the dancers are also students. They're excited to perform for their classmates and teachers tonight.
The next performance will be on July 11 in Kankakee for a statewide parent workshop sponsored by the Illinois Migrant Council. The dancers are already fired up for the event.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Getting ready to perform again...
Tonight the dancers and their parents will be heading over to the Mendota Lutheran Home after they finish practicing. They have prepared invititations that they plan to personally distribute to the residents, informing them of a performance planned for them on Monday evening.
Since Cinco de Mayo, enrollment in the folkloric ballet increased from a dozen to 22, with divisions for 3-5 years, and 6-11. They've been learning a variety of new dances, including a polka, as well as polishing those previously learned.
Many thanks from the entire group, children and parents, to the First United Methodist Church of Mendota for lending a practice space. We are so grateful for your generosity!
Since Cinco de Mayo, enrollment in the folkloric ballet increased from a dozen to 22, with divisions for 3-5 years, and 6-11. They've been learning a variety of new dances, including a polka, as well as polishing those previously learned.
Many thanks from the entire group, children and parents, to the First United Methodist Church of Mendota for lending a practice space. We are so grateful for your generosity!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
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