As a Mexican immigrant and dance instructor, folklórico has been an important part of my life for more than 28 years. I founded Grupo Folklórico No Te Rajes Jalisco after recognizing my own need for belonging and discovering how cultural arts can help children and youth build identity, pride, confidence, and connections across generations.
Today, through ZAPATEANDO, a Galan Cultural Center program in partnership with Pomona Unified School District, I continue providing children with access to folklórico dance and cultural arts.
Through my work, I have also connected with families of children with Down syndrome and other developmental, intellectual, and learning disabilities who have expressed the need for more inclusive arts opportunities. Having experience working with children with diverse abilities, I believe strongly that every child deserves access to creative spaces where they can participate, belong, and thrive.
With the support of Galan Cultural Center, I am excited to help create an inclusive folklórico program where children with disabilities can develop confidence, express themselves, connect with their community, and flourish and shine through the arts.
Image by Denis Thorpe