BIO:
Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ of Chandler, AZ is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization. This dance troupe celebrate the colorful tradition of Mexican folkloric dance. Led by Vanessa Ramirez, the group began as a recreational class at the City of Chandler’s Snedigar Recreation Center . As one of very few East Valley folklorico groups currently operating, interest in the dance troupe has grown rapidly in its three year existence, from just 6 students in June of 2008 to more than 30 currently. Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli’s students range in age from 2 to adult. Dancers enjoy an exciting and fun way to express themselves through dance and learn about Hispanic heritage.
Students learn dances from various regions of Mexico. Not only do they have fun and get good exercise, but they receive al history lesson with each dance. Each week students are assigned a homework assignment related to the region of Mexico where the dance they are learning originates. Each child shares in class what they’ve learned in a presentation. This encourages self-esteem through cultivating
public speaking skills as well as the showmanship of performance. It has been wonderful to observe the growth and confidence that these young children have developed in such short time. They are truly an inspiration.
Ballet Folkorico Quetzalli dancers have performed at various community events throughout the Valley of the Sun. In Chandler, the dancers have performed at the city’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, The Chandler C3HR Mariachi Festival, the annual Multicultural Festival, The Ostrich Festival, City of Chandler's Block Party, the Cinco de Mayo Celebration and Chihuahua Races. Other East Valley performances include the Queen Creek Hometown Christmas Celebration, Gilbert Global Days, Garibaldi Night at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Passport to Discovery, and seasonal Artisan Markets. In Phoenix, Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli has been featured at the Food City Cinco de Mayo Celebration, City of Phoenix Cinco De Many Festivities, special appearance for a charity event with the Robert Tate Foundation, and was honored to perform with Mariachi Sol de Mexico at the holiday favorite Christmas Mariachi Festival at US Airways Center. In Sept 2011 Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ was invited to participate in the Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival at the Planet Hollywood.
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