Ballet Folklorico gets grant to keep traditions alive in Visalia
Dancers move across a room in a rainbow of vibrant colors while performing traditional Mexican twirls and whirls.
The opportunity for local children to learn Ballet Folklorico in Visalia is a reality thanks to a grant from the city of Visalia that will allow the JEMA Foundation to offer free classes for school-age children to learn this rich Mexican dance.
The Juventud Enriquecimiento Musica y Artes (JEMA) Foundation has announced its latest initiative to bring the vibrant tradition of Mexican folk dance, also known as Ballet Folklorico, to children and young adults living in Visalia.
Ballet Folklorico includes bright, colorful costumes and lively rhythms. This traditional Mexican dance focuses on the spirit of celebration and community.
Children that participate in these classes will learn not only to dance but also grow an appreciation for Mexican culture.
“We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to the youth of Visalia," said Micaela Macareno, JEMA Foundation dance instructor. “Ballet Folklorico is more than just a dance form; it's a celebration of our heritage and a way to connect with our community. We are grateful to the city of Visalia for their support in making this program possible."
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Classes will be held at a community center in the city. There will be no charge for these classes for Visalia residents between the ages of 4-17. Students must live in Visalia to qualify for this free dance opportunity.
“Classes will offer entry level dance lessons and an opportunity to learn about Mexican culture and traditions," Macareno said. “We hope this starts their journey to learn about their culture through dance and continue to pursue cultural arts after the completion of the eight session course.”
The foundation is an organization committed to fostering experiences for youth to grow skills in music and the arts. Through various programs and initiatives, JEMA hopes to provide young individuals with opportunities to explore their creativity, develop their talents, and connect with their cultural heritage.
Parents interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to visit the JEMA Foundation's website to fill out an interest form at JemaFoundation.com.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Ballet Folklorico gets grant to keep traditions alive in Visalia
