For the past six months Ray Terronez and his cousin Ashley Terronez have been helping bridge the gap between the newer members and those who have been part of the group for years. Ray and Ashley have been assisting the group teaching the beginners on a separate day.
“Especially with me and Ray’s younger group there are all different levels coming in, you get some that are starting to learn what they are doing and you get new ones getting thrown in,” Ashley said.
Ray says that it is hard to get the new kids over their fear of dancing, “Specially the guys.”There is a kids group and an older group which includes middle school and high school students totaling to over 50 dancers who make up the QCBF. The group has been growing in numbers and that is why Ray and Ashley’s extra class is part of a new effort to preserve “this fountain of culture, education and art” that was created in 1984 by Karina’s father, Arnulfo Camarillo.
Recently the QCBF acquired a non-for-profit status which will help solidify the future of the group, “not just for now, but for 20, 30 years down the line,” said Karina. Now the group can ask for grants and have fundraisers to help fund trips to competitions and to help them with travel expenses “so we can share our culture not just with the Quad City area but all over the country.” Karina said, “I know we are good for it.”
At certain times the group was able to perform as far as Indiana, Minnesota and Arizona but have not been able to due to the high costs of traveling. The group has also brought in dance instructors from different parts of Mexico that teach the students and QCBF instructors new dances from different states in Mexico, something that they want to continue doing. The group currently knows dances from 15 states in Mexico, for a total of over 100 different dances.
“We became a non-for-profit tax-exempt organization and are taking donations to be used for costumes, music, special dance instructors to come up and give workshops and to expand the overall repertoire of the Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico,” Karina said.
Past expenses have been solely funded by donations for performances and contributions from the community. The group does not charge the dancers to join, the only expenses for dancers are for dancing shoes and if they opt to buy their own costumes. Moline Township has been very helpful with the group’s demanding practice schedule for about 10 years, something the QCBF is grateful for, but a long term goal would be to get a building so that they may have a strong base and regular scheduled classes.
The dancers are not only learning new steps, they are also learning how the Mexican culture is a mix of many European influences. It’s an educational experience that tells them the stories behind traditional Mexican songs and dances, which they would otherwise never know. The community benefits as well since they are also learning about the Mexican culture.
With this year’s larger group it means more parents are involved, and when more parents are involved the more challenges the group can take on. They are planning on putting on a performance at the Moline High School Auditorium on June 13, an immense 2-hour production that they have not done in years. It consists of the two groups doing dances from 8 different states. The week prior to the performance they practice every day.
The investment is seen when the long hours of hard work and practice are displayed in a performance of that magnitude that makes everyone involved proud of a beautiful culture, and those of Mexican descent, proud of their heritage.
The QCBF is accepting members, especially boys. They are also accepting donations to help with their goals; if you would like to be a part of keeping this tradition going, please contact Karina Camarillo at (309) 517-4593, to make a contribution.
My Favorite Part of the QCBF
►Aimara Leo, 11
QCBF member for 3 years
Favorite part of being a member
“You get to spread the Hispanic culture and I like to see people’s faces (reaction) when we’re performing.”
►Erica López, 10
QCBF member for 1 year
Favorite part of being a member:
“I get to see all the kids in the practice.”
►Beto Huizar, 10
QCBF member for 6 years
Favorite part of being a member:
“You get to perform in front of people.”
►Roberto Camacho, 11
QCBF member for 1 year
Why he joined:
“I saw them dancing and my mom said I should join.”
►Victor Mendoza, 10
QCBF member for 4 years
Why he joined:
“I started practicing then my sister started.”
►Jesse Molina, 11
QCBF member for 3 years
Why he joined:
“Because of the Hispanic culture.”
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