A&M International Students Travel to Veracruz, Learn Regional Dances

A group of eight Texas A&M International University Ballet Folklórico students will travel to Veracruz, Mexico June 29-July 8 for an in-depth study of regional and folkloric dances of Mexico.

The students, chosen by their Ballet Folklórico peers for the trip, will attend the 28th Conference of the Asociación Nacional de Grupos Folklóricos (National Association of Foklórico Groups), a California-based dance organization.

"We are excited about this conference," said Gabriela Mendoza-García, Ballet Folklórico instructor. "Over 700 students and teachers from throughout Mexico and the United States attended last year's conference and for us, it is a great opportunity to represent A&M International."

At the Conference, students will attend three classes a day, and will receive instruction on the history and techniques of various dances such as the jarocho, tropical, huasteca and azteca. In addition, they will learn about dances from Guerrero, Chihuahua and special dances for children.

"What makes this conference so special is that every one of the teachers lecturing will actually be from the regions they are lecturing on," Mendoza-García said.

The Ballet Folklórico is one of over 50 active student clubs or organizations contributing to student life at A&M International.

For further information, please call the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326-2180. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through 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