Mexican Folk Stories Come Alive at TAMIU Primavera Concert

Spring's fluorescent colors will tint the beloved stories of Mexico at Texas A&M International University's annual "Una Primavera Mexicana" concert Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

Featuring the A&M International Ballet Folklórico, Ballet Folklórico Juvenil and the award-winning Mariachi Internacional, "Una Primavera Mexicana" will showcase a lively series of folkloric dances from the Mexican states of Nayarit, Sinaloa, Veracruz, Chiapas, Michoacan, and Jalisco The event is free and open to the public.

Gabriela Mendoza-García, concert creator and folkloric dance instructor, said the audience can expect to find a stage full of tapping boots and flowing skirts as dancers travel from the fertile lands of Michoacán to the tropical ports of Veracruz.

"We have prepared for months to bring the dazzling magic of Mexico to life for our audiences with a celebration of life and diversity," Mendoza-García said, "For this concert, we had choreography assistance from Pedro Serna, who directs his own dance group in Jalapa, Zacatecas and is certified by the Mexican government to teach folkloric dance."

Mendoza-García said A&M International's Ballet Folklórico is a testament to the important and lasting legacy of Mexican dance.

The group was founded in 1996 by Mendoza-García and six University students to preserve the music and dance traditions of Mexico. At first, group members performed in makeshift costumes, bringing to life the centuries-old traditions, customs, and culture of Mexico through performance opportunities.

In its second year of existence, Mendoza-García designed authentic costumes typical of the state and time period of the dances performed. Since then, the group has become an important icon of A&M International community involvement and performs at various University and off-campus events.

"The group has included students from Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Mexico, United States and Zambia," Mendoza-García explained, "They're not just dancers. They are storytellers, historians and cultural ambassadors. Each dance performed tells a story or provides a unique history lesson in motion, on Mexico. We invite children and adults, alike, to come and witness what enthusiasm, work and perseverance can produce to delight our senses and preserve Mexican heritage."

For further information on Una Primavera Mexicana, please contact Mendoza-García at 326-2281, e-mail gabym@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Student Center, room 226B. 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