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Posted: 4/11/19

TAMIU Ballet Folklórico Wins First Place at National Folklórico Competition

 

Ballet Folklorico
 

Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) Ballet Folklórico made history by ranking first in the nation at the  recent National Folklórico Competition in San Antonio.

A total of 18 TAMIU students traveled with TAMIU Ballet Folklórico director Nayeli López to the Competition April 6 at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel.

TAMIU Ballet Folklórico competed in eight entries in university categories of small group, ensemble, duet, and solos. The group received five trophies: two ranking first place, one ranking second place, and two third place rankings. It was the only Laredo group to participate in the Competition.

“This was an educational, amazing opportunity for the students to experience competing at a national competition where they were ranked by international judges from México,” López said, “They were also able to experience and witness different dances from the different states of México. Competing and performing brings a great confidence out of my students. I enjoy watching them blossom into amazing dancers throughout the semesters.”

López explained that the group placed first in the Small Group University category by performing two dances from the state of Nayarit titled, “La Majahua” and “El Buey.” The state of Nayarit is well known for its intense footwork and many dance turns, she said.

The group placed third place in the Ensemble University category by performing two dances from the state of Yucatán titled, “Las Mujeres que se Pintan” and “Almudes.” Students performed on top of wood blocks. The group took five soloists to compete, López said.

TAMIU students placed first, second, and third in the Solos University category.

Diana Saldaña, a senior, placed first in the Solo category after she performed a solo from the state of Tamaulipas titled, “Acuarela Tamaulipeca.”

Gladys Hernández, a junior, performed a solo from the state of Baja California Norte titled, “La Vaquerita” and placed second  in the University Solo category.

Rita Mercado, a senior, competed with a solo from the state of Sinaloa titled, “Pavido Navido” and placed third in the University Solo category.

Two other TAMIU Ballet Folklórico dancers, Abigail Sarabia, and Katherine Carrera, also competed with solos from the state of Zacatecas “Mexicapan” and Nuevo León “Redoblando.”

The National Folklórico Competition drew 54 groups from elementary, middle, and high schools as well as universities, private studios, non-profits, and professional dance companies.

The TAMIU Ballet Folklórico has been in existence since 1995, and this was the first time it has competed at a national folklórico competition.

Earlier this year, TAMIU Ballet Folklórico competed at the statewide Folklórico Competition in February 2018, placing and receiving trophies. In December 2018, it traveled and performed at Disney World in Florida, receiving the Golden Mickey Award. It has been invited to perform for the Tercer Festival Nacional de Monterrey in Monterrey, México this July.

For more information about the TAMIU Ballet Folklórico, contact López at 956.326.2858 or email nayeli.lopez@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

More of the University’s story is available on its website, tamiu.edu and dedicated social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

 Folklorico