Registration Underway for Children's Mexican Ballet Folklorico Classes

Boys ages 5 - 10 and girls ages 5 - 18 are invited to enroll in "Mexican Ballet Folklorico" classes at Texas A&M International University.

The classes will be held on Saturday mornings at the University in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building, Room 204. Class dates are as follows: Session I - Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7 and Session II - Oct. 14, 21, Nov. 4, 11, 18. Missed classes may not be made up.

Times for both sessions are: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Girls, Grades 6th - 12th (ages 11 - 18); 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Girls, Grades 4th - 5th (ages 8 - 10); 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. -- Girls, Grades 1st - 3rd (ages 5 - 7); and 1:45 - 2:45 p.m. - Boys, Grades 1st - 5th (ages 5 - 10).

Cost is $30 for either session or $50 for both sessions. Previous dance experience is not required.

Classes will focus on dance principles to build strength, balance, posture, grace and discipline. Students will learn the basics of "zapateado" footwork then master the fundamentals of Mexican Ballet Folklorico including correct skirt work, dance techniques, and performance style. Additionally, Mexican culture, traditions, and customs will be explored.

Instructor will be Gabriela Mendoza-Garcia, director of the Texas A&M International University Ballet Folklorico and former professional dancer with the Roy Lozano Ballet Folklorico de Texas.

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 332. 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