A&M International Offers Ballet Folklorico Classes for Children

Texas A&M International University's Office of Continuing Education will offer two sessions of classes in "Mexican Ballet Folklorico" for boys and girls in 1st - 4th grade and 5th - 10th grade.

Session I classes will be held on Saturday mornings September 12, 19, 26, and October 3, and 10 in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building on the University's main campus, 5201 University Boulevard.

Boys and girls in 1st - 4th grades will meet from 10 - 11 a.m. Boys and girls in 5th - 10th grades will meet from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Session II classes will also be held on Saturday mornings, on November 7, 14, 21, and December 5 and 12, in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

Boys and girls in 1st - 4th grades will meet from 10 - 11 a.m. Boys and girls in 5th - 10th grades will meet from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Tuition is $30 for each session or $50 for both sessions. Children do not need prior knowledge or background in Ballet Folklorico to enroll.

A black leotard with white tights is the preferred attire for girls, however casual clothing may be worn. Girls are required to wear a solid color Mexican Ballet Folklorico practice skirt. A pattern is available upon request. Boys should wear comfortable clothing. A shoe with a heel is required.

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

Classes will be conducted by Gabriela Mendoza, Dance Director of the University's Ballet Folklorico group, and Associate Director of Student Development at A&M International.

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