A&M International Offers Ballet Folklorico Class for Children

Texas A&M International University's Office of Continuing Education will offer two classes in "Mexican Ballet Folklorico" for boys and girls ages 6 - 11 and 12 - 14 on Saturdays beginning January 10.

The classes will be held on Saturday mornings Jan. 10, 17, 24, and 31, and Feb. 7 and 14 in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building on the University's main campus, 5201 University Boulevard.

Boys and girls ages 6 - 11 will meet from 10 - 11 a.m. Boys and girls ages 12 - 14 will meet from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Tuition for the 6-lesson course is $30. Children do not need prior knowledge or background in Ballet Folklorico.

Class participants will learn basic footwork or "zapatedo," performance techniques and Mexican folk dances. Mexican culture, traditions, and customs will be explored.

A Mexican Ballet Folklorico class for adults is also being developed and will be offered soon.

Children's and adult classes will be conducted by Gabriela Mendoza, Dance Director of the University's Ballet Folklorico group, and Associate Director of the University's Office of Student Development.

Prior to joining the University, Mendoza was a member of a professional dance troupe, Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklorico de Tejas, in Austin from 1991 to 1995. While a student at the University of Texas at Austin, she danced with El Grupo de Dance y Arte Folklorico de la Universidad de Texas en Austin from 1989 to 1991.

To register for the Mexican Ballet Folklorico for Children class or for more information, please call the University's Office of Continuing Education at 326-2700, or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Room 332 West. University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu