Mexican Revolution Theme for "Una Primavera Mexicana" Celebration April 17

Dances dating back to the Mexican revolution will come alive in lively polkas at Texas A&M International University's "Una Primavera Mexicana" April 17 featuring the University's Ballet Folklórico.

The annual dance concert by the 30-member group celebrates the arrival of spring and will be held on two dates, including one for children and the other for the general public at TAMIU's Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

Admission is free and the community is invited to attend.

A children's presentation was held on Wednesday with more than 2,700 children attending.

The general public presentation will be held Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. Guests will include the Ballet Folklórico Juvenil, a children's ballet group, and TAMIU's Guitar Ensemble.

Gabriela Mendoza-García, director of the Ballet Folklórico, said that the Concert serves to remind and educate the public about the centuries-old traditions, customs and culture of America's neighboring country.

Founded in 1996 by Mendoza-García, TAMIU's Ballet Folklórico has included students from Brazil, Canada, China, France, India and Mexico, United States and Zambia, and is well versed in dances from all regions of Mexico.

"This performing dance organization is comprised entirely of TAMIU students and alumni whose positive attitude toward work has produced a dedicated and talented group of dancers that are also storytellers, historians and cultural ambassadors," Mendoza-García said, "Each dance the group performs tells a story or provides a unique history lesson in motion on Mexico."

Mendoza-García said dances at "Una Primavera Mexicana" are authentic renditions of traditional steps and incorporate teachings of Pedro Serna, a folkloric dance consultant from Zacatecas, Mexico. A former member of Ballet Folklórico de Zacatecas, Serna has danced with Amalia Hernández's famous Ballet Folklórico de Mexico. He currently directs his own dance group in Jalpa, Zacatecas.

"Our choreography is also a product of what students learned from various master teachers at national and international conferences," she said.

Remote states like Veracruz, Nuevo Leon, Chiapas, Michoacan, and Jalisco will be featured during the Concert, Mendoza-García said.

"We encourage the public to come and enjoy the performance of these beautiful stories and watch us keep an art form alive for future generations," she said.

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