Children's Mexican Ballet Folklorico Class Begins Oct. 16

Texas A&M International University is offering a continuing education class in "Mexican Ballet Folklorico" for boys and girls in elementary, middle, and high school.

The class will be held Saturday mornings Oct. 16, 23, 30, Nov. 20, and Dec. 4 in the University's Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

Class times are as follows: elementary students (grades 1st - 5th) ages 6 - 10 will meet from 10 - 11 a.m.; middle school students (6th - 8th grades) ages 11 - 13, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.; and high school students (9th - 12th grades) ages 14 - 18, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Tuition is $30. Students will learn basic "zapatedo" footwork, correct skirt work, dance and performance techniques, and Mexican folk dances. Mexican culture, traditions, and customs will also be explored.

Students do not need prior knowledge or background in Ballet Folklorico to enroll.

Girls may wear casual clothing to class, however a black leotard with white tights is preferred and a solid color Mexican Ballet Folklorico practice skirt is required. A skirt pattern is available upon request. Boys should wear comfortable clothing. A shoe with a heel is required.

Gabriela Mendoza, Dance Director of the University's Ballet Folklorico group, and Associate Director of Student Development at A&M International, will conduct the classes. She was a member of a professional dance troupe, Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklorico de Tejas, in Austin from 1991 to 1995.

To register for the 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 431. University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Additional information may also be obtained by email at contedu@tamiu.edu.

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