A&M International Ballet Folklórico Offers Maestro Workshop

Texas A&M International University's Third Annual Master Folkloric Workshop offers the opportunity to learn from a master. Maestro Pedro Serna will present a free two-day workshop January 26 and 27, teaching the dances of Durango and Hidalgo, Mexico.

The workshop is free and is sponsored by Texas A&M International University Ballet Folklórico, the Texas Commission on the Arts and the City of Laredo. It is recommended that participants have at least one year of training in folkloric dance, and must also be 13 or older.

Gabriela Mendoza-García, director of the Texas A&M International University Ballet Folklórico, said that this is a unique opportunity for area dancers.

"Maestro Pedro Serna is an accomplished dancer, choreographer and teacher of folkloric dance. He is certified by the government of Mexico to teach folkloric dance and brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience to this workshop. Participants can enhance their repertoire with new regions and dances and receive the teachings of a master dancer. Attendees will also be able to network with other area folkloric dancers to encourage the sharing of ideas," said Mendoza-García.

Mendoza-García said Serna was a member of the Ballet Folklórico de Zacatecas and previously danced with Amalia Hernández's Ballet Folklórico de México. Currently, Serna directs Pedro Serna's Ballet Folklórico in Jalpa, Zacatecas.

The workshop will be instructional, Mendoza-García said, so participants must bring folkloric shoes/boots. Women should bring a folkloric practice skirt and have their hair pulled away from the face. Men should wear comfortable clothing.

The workshop will be from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 26 and 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 27 at Texas A&M International University, Kinesiology-Convocation Building, room 204. Registration is due no later than 5 p.m., Wednesday, January 23.

For more information and to register, please contact Gabriela Mendoza-García at 326-2282, visit offices in Kinesiology-Convocation Building, room 107, or email gabymgarcia@yahoo.com.

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