The Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico has be
en performing traditional Mexican dances around the Midwest and as far away as Ariz. for over 20 years under the direction of founder Arnulfo Camarillo. The group has been a great outlet for many young Latinos to express themselves through a culturally rich art form that entertains as well as educates others of the traditional dances from the different regions of Mexico.In an effort to keep the dances new, every year the group brings different instructors from Mexico to teach them new dances, while the members are on Christmas break from school. This year they are bringing two instructors who dance with the Ballet Folklorico del Estado de Guanajuato. Originally of Mexico City, Jorge Emilio Corona will concentrate on teaching the boys the proper steps. Tere Ivette Luna Lopez of the Guanajuato, Gto. will be in charge of the girls but the two will then work together on choreography. The dancers take part in a 7 day intense crash course that begins at 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. with an hour lunch break. The classes run from Dec. 21 through the 29, with a two day break for Christmas Eve, and Christmas day. The course will take place at Moline High School, 3600 Ave. of the Cities, for the most part with the first and third (Dec. 21 and Dec. 23) of those classes at Moline Township, 620 18th St. Moline. This will be a good starting point for anybody interested in joining. Membership is free and children from 6 years of age and older may join. The group is lacking males 12-16 years of age and is looking to build up on the older group. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to join the group during these special sessions or to call ahead to get more information. Call Jessica Muñoz at (309)792-8947 or Barbara Castell at (563)388-9112. For information in Spanish call Arnulfo Camarillo at (309)797-0949 or Juana Huezar at (563)324-1297.